PUNJAB DECLARES THREE ‘HOLY CITIES’

NEWS – Punjab has officially granted ‘Holy City’ status to Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo, introducing bans on the sale of liquor, tobacco, cigarettes, and meat within notified areas. The decision, passed unanimously in the Punjab Assembly, aims to preserve religious sanctity and boost faith-based tourism.

HIGHLIGHTS

Why These Cities? — Religious & Cultural Significance

• Linked to Sikh Takhts (Seats of Authority)
  • Akal Takht, Amritsar – Supreme Sikh temporal authority, founded by Guru Hargobind.
  • Takht Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib – Birthplace of the Khalsa (1699).
  • Takht Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo – Site of compilation of revised Guru Granth Sahib.
• Deep Historical Connection
  • Symbolise Sikh spiritual sovereignty, sacrifice, martial heritage, and faith leadership.
• Decades-old Demand
  • SGPC and Sikh bodies have sought this status since the 1980s to preserve sanctity.

What Changes with the Holy City Tag?

• Bans imposed
  • Sale of liquor
  • Sale of tobacco/cigarettes
  • Sale of meat
• Administrative & Civic Measures
  • Enhanced religious tourism infrastructure
  • Mini-buses, e-rickshaws and pilgrim mobility facilities
  • Focus on cultural preservation

Concerns & Complexities

• Cultural Contention
  • Jhatka meat linked to Sikh martial tradition, especially Nihang Sikhs, may create contradictions.
  • No uniform consensus within Sikh community on “holiness” standards.
• Economic Impact
  • Livelihood concerns for traders dependent on liquor, meat, and tobacco business.
  • Calls for rehabilitation schemes for affected shopkeepers.
• Implementation Challenges
  • Enforcement across mixed-population urban spaces
  • Balancing tradition, religious sentiments & practical governance

Why It Matters (Governance Perspective)

• Strengthens cultural-religious identity preservation
• Enhances faith tourism economy
• Tests policy effectiveness in reconciling faith with social diversity and livelihoods