Inside Palitana, A 'Veg Only' City In Gujarat

India, the world's most populated country, is home to a wide range of cuisines that differ from region to region, depending on local culture. While both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items make for a wholesome experience, a whopping 38% of the total Indian population identifies itself as vegetarians, according to a World Atlas report.

But what may surprise many is that there exists a city in Gujarat where only vegetarian food is allowed. The sale, purchase and consumption of non-vegetarian food is completely prohibited. Yes, we are talking about Palitana town in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat.

In this city, non-vegetarian food, including meat and eggs, is completely banned.

How it started

The process to make Palitana a vegetarian-only town began in 1999 when Jain monks and followers initiated a strong campaign to ban the sale and consumption of non-vegetarian food within the city. The movement was fueled by the Jain community's deep-rooted belief in non-violence (Ahimsa) and their desire to uphold the sanctity of Palitana, a renowned pilgrimage site with over 800 Jain temples, including the famous Adinath Temple.

In 2014, some 200 of these monks went on a hunger strike, seeking the closure of around 250 butcher shops in the area. To respect the sentiments of the Jain community, the government is said to have banned the sale of meat, eggs, and the slaughtering of animals in the region. Further, penalties were announced for the violators.

The Bhavnagar district administration took action in response to the protests, hunger strikes and persistent applications by around 200 Jain monks. On November 4, 1999, District Collector Rajkumar issued a formal notification prohibiting the sale and consumption of meat, fish and eggs in and around the Shetrunjaya hill and the roads leading to it. The notification also banned animal slaughter within this sacred area.

This decision set a precedent for other cities in Gujarat.

'City Of Temples'

The Shatrunjaya Hills, located 164 ft above sea level, house more than 800 temples, believed to have been built over 900 years ago.

In Palitana, the food is majorly inspired by the Jain cuisine, which excludes root vegetables.

On their visits,  it's difficult for people to find milk and milk-based products, avoided by some of the Jain community members.

What to expect?

Among the popular dishes one can find easily in Palitana are Dhokla, Khandvi, Gathiya and Kadhi. Also, people can get to taste 'Rotlo', a flatbread made using millets and topped with jaggery and ghee. It is usually served with 'Sev Tameta nu Shaak' -- tomato-based gravy with sev. Another famous dish here is the Dal Dhokli.

(Reported by Mahendra Prasad)