Punjab, India — The Punjab government on Monday (15 Dec 2025) formally declared the walled city of Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, and Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib) in Bathinda district as Holy Cities of the state to preserve their religious sanctity. mint+1

An official notification from the Department of Home Affairs, Punjab said the decision has received the approval of the Governor of Punjab. Departments have been directed to enforce wide-ranging restrictions within the notified limits of the three cities. Republic World

Restrictions to Preserve Sanctity

According to the notification:

• The Department of Excise has been directed to restrict the sale and consumption of liquor and related products within the holy cities. mint

• The Department of Health & Family Welfare will issue prohibitory orders on the sale and use of cigarettes, tobacco and other intoxicants in these areas. mint

• The Department of Animal Husbandry has been asked to impose a ban on the sale and consumption of meat within the notified limits.

• The Local Government Department and Deputy Commissioners of Amritsar, Rupnagar and Bathinda are responsible for strict implementation of the orders.

The notification will be published in the official Gazette of Punjab. mint

Political and Cultural Context

The move follows a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly held in Anandpur Sahib, which was part of events commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. A resolution was passed to grant holy city status to the three towns, citing their religious and civilizational importance.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that Sri Anandpur Sahib is to be developed as a heritage street city and urged people to preserve its spiritual character and sanctity.

What’s Banned

In the notified areas of all three holy cities:

✅ Sale and consumption of liquor
✅ Sale and use of cigarettes, tobacco, and other intoxicants
✅ Sale and consumption of meat

These measures aim to maintain religious dignity as well as the cultural and spiritual atmosphere of the locations.