Non-veg is illegal in Gujarat’s Palitana
The series of orders regulating the selling of non-vegetarian food began in Rajkot.These orders prohibited the preparation and display of non-vegetarian food in public spaces. Vadodara soon followed this example, with Junagadh and Ahmedabad implementing similar regulations. Opponents of non-vegetarian food argued that the display of meat hurt their sensitivities and negatively impacted people, especially children. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also linked these regulations to reducing traffic congestion.
However, the push against non-vegetarian food is not new in Gujarat or globally. In Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi epitomised vegetarianism, and following his example has been considered a pious duty by millions.
Mahatma Gandhi was a lifelong advocate of vegetarianism, although he experimented with meat during his school days. A friend of his elder brother convinced him to eat mutton. However, Gandhi largely avoided non-vegetarian food out of respect for his parents, who were devout Vaishnavites—followers of a Hindu belief system that prescribes strict vegetarianism.
In his autobiography, Gandhi wrote about having “meat fests” over a year, but this led to a situation where he had to lie to his parents. He promised himself that he would abstain from meat during their lifetime. When leaving for England to study law in 1888, his mother took a vow from him to maintain vegetarianism, a promise Gandhi honoured throughout his life. In later years, Gandhi experimented with veganism, giving up cow milk and milk products, although he did consume goat milk as a substitute.
Vegetarianism in Gujarat is largely influenced by the dominant Vaishnav Hindu culture. Hindus constitute 88.5% of Gujarat’s population, with Jains forming about 1%, and Muslims and Christians making up about 10%. Vaishnavism is the predominant religious culture in the state.
The shift towards vegetarianism in Gujarat, epitomised by cities like Palitana and policies in Ahmedabad, reflects deep cultural and religious roots. Yet, the state’s evolving dynamics show a complex relationship with dietary practices, balancing tradition with changing consumption patterns. As Gujarat navigates this terrain, the influence of historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and contemporary regulations continue to shape its culinary landscape and made Palitana as the first city where non-veg is banned.
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