Alcohol ban in holy cities Punjab: Punjab government has declared Amritsar Wall City, Talwandi Sabo and Sri Anandpur Sahib as holy cities and completely banned the sale of meat, liquor, tobacco and intoxicants. The decision has come into effect with the notification.
Punjab Government Notification: A major decision related to Punjab politics and Sikh religious traditions has finally been implemented on the ground. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government has officially declared Amritsar Wall City, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo as “holy cities”. Along with this, the sale of meat, liquor, tobacco and all intoxicants has been completely banned in these three cities. This decision is not limited to papers only, but is also implemented immediately as soon as the notification is issued by the Punjab Government. After all, why did the Punjab government take this decision? And what is going to change in these cities now?
After all, which 3 cities got the status of ‘holy city’?
The three places declared holy cities by the Punjab government are the Wall City of Amritsar and the corridor area around the Golden Temple, Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district and Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district. These three cities are considered very sacred in Sikhism. After being officially given the status of ‘holy city’, strict rules have been implemented here.
Is it really true that liquor and meat will no longer be available in these cities?
Yes, absolutely. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann himself issued a video message on Sunday and made it clear that now the sale of meat, liquor, tobacco and any kind of intoxicant will be completely banned in these holy cities. This means that now neither liquor will be sold at the shop nor meat or tobacco products will be available.
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Why was there a need to take this decision suddenly?
In fact, a special session of the Punjab Assembly was called at Sri Anandpur Sahib last month. This session was organized on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. In the same session, a resolution was passed unanimously, in which emphasis was laid on maintaining the religious dignity of these holy places. After this, on December 15, the Punjab government issued an official notification declaring these three cities as ‘holy cities’.
What is the relation of this decision to the Takhts of Sikhs?
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that there are a total of five Takhts in Sikhism, out of which three are located in Punjab—
- Sri Akal Takht Sahib-Amritsar
- Sri Damdama Sahib-Talwandi Sabo
- Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib-Sri Anandpur Sahib
Keeping this religious importance in mind, the government has taken this big step.
What facilities will the devotees now get?
The Chief Minister assured that after being declared a holy city, these areas will also be developed. The government will provide e-rickshaws, mini buses, shuttle buses and other public transport facilities, so that the devotees coming from India and abroad do not face any problem.
Could there be even stricter rules ahead?
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has clearly indicated that the rules will be strictly followed in these holy cities. The government says that these cities are not only religious places, but also an important part of the cultural and historical heritage of Punjab. This decision has been implemented as soon as the notification was issued and now these cities have officially become ‘holy cities’. The government claims that there will be planned development of cities. Religious tourism will be promoted. The image of Punjab will be strengthened at the international level. Besides, new options for local business and employment will also be explored.