Punjab designates Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities, banning alcohol, tobacco, and meat.

Punjab has declared Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as Holy Cities, banning liquor, tobacco, cigarettes, and meat sales and consumption in these areas. The move, approved by the Governor and formalized in an official notification, aims to preserve their religious and historical significance. Enforcement will be carried out by multiple departments, including Excise and Health. The decision follows a special legislative session in Anandpur Sahib marking the 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom and aligns with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s pledge to develop Anandpur Sahib as a heritage city. The notification will be published in the official Gazette.