World’s only City of Vegetarians and why it banned non-veg food
9 Vegetarian Foods That Increase Stamina
The Palitana town in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district has become the world’s first city to completely ban non-vegetarian food, including the sale and consumption of meat and eggs. As per reports, it all started after a massive protest by Jain monks including a 2014 hunger strike by nearly 200 monks demanding the closure of around 250 butcher shops. As a result, respecting the sentiments of the Jain community, the government implemented the ban, prohibiting the sale of meat, eggs, and the slaughtering of animals, with penalties for violations.
Also Read:Popular Gujarati dishes you must try when in Gujarat
Also known as the City of Temples, with 800 intricately carved Jain temples built over 900 year, the food in Palitana is inspired by Jain cuisine, which is strictly vegetarian and excludes root vegetables. As Jain cuisine is based on the philosophy of non-violence, vegetables growing under the soil are also not consumed to avoid harming microorganisms. Also, as some Jains also avoid milk and milk-based products, so finding milk-based foods is also a daunting task. However, there are many pure vegetarian and vegan restaurants that serve non-Jain vegetarian foods too.
Also Read:7 best Gujarati snacks to try
The popular foods here include Gujarati dishes like Dhokla, Khandvi, Gathiya and Kadhi. You can try the simple and subtle Rotlo, a flatbread made using millets, topped with jaggery and ghee, often served alongside Sev Tameta nu Shaak (a tomato-based gravy with sev). One of the must-try dishes in Palitana is the flavourful and wholesome Dal Dhokli, a lentil soup with flour dumplings topped with spicy tadka, and another popular dish here is Khichdi.
Palitana is renowned for its significance in Jainism. It is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jains and is home to the Shatrunjaya Hills, which feature over 800 Jain temples. Here, the Shatrunjaya Hill temples are a major attraction, with devotees often climbing more than 3,500 steps to reach the top. The temples are made of marble and are noted for their exquisite architecture and intricate carvings. Founded in the 11th century, Palitana has evolved into a vital center for Jainism, drawing pilgrims and tourists worldwide to its sacred temples and rich cultural heritage. Palitana attracts both pilgrims and tourists for its spiritual ambiance and scenic beauty. The panoramic view from the top of Shatrunjaya Hill is a major draw. Palitana is well-connected by road and is approximately 50 kilometers southwest of Bhavnagar city. The nearest airport is Bhavnagar Airport, and the nearest major railway station is in Bhavnagar. The town is also known for its local art and craft, including marble carvings and traditional textiles. The primary economic activity in Palitana is tourism, driven by the influx of pilgrims and visitors to the temples. As per historians, Palitana was once the capital of the princely state of Palitana and the construction and maintenance of the temples were often supported by the royal families and wealthy merchants. Beyond its religious importance, Palitana is a cultural hub with a rich history. The city’s temples and heritage sites attract historians, architects, and tourists interested in India’s cultural and religious diversity.
Why should you avoid non-vegeterian food?
Avoiding non-vegetarian food is often recommended for a healthy body due to several reasons. Firstly, excessive consumption of red and processed meats has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and other chronic illnesses. Secondly, some meats are high in saturated fats and cholesterol, which can contribute to cardiovascular problems if consumed in large amounts. Additionally, there are concerns about antibiotics and hormones used in meat production, which may have health implications if consumed regularly.
link
