The Punjab Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution announcing a complete ban on the sale and consumption of liquor, meat, tobacco and other intoxicants in three areas of the state. These regions Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar, Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda, and the Galiara area surrounding the Golden Temple in Amritsar have now been officially declared holy cities by the state government.
Special Resolution Passed in Historic Punjab Assembly Session
The resolution was introduced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during a special session of the Punjab Assembly. The session was specially held in Anandpur Sahib to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. This marked the first time that the Vidhan Sabha met outside Chandigarh, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Punjab Ban on Liquor, Meat and Intoxicants
As per the resolution, these holy cities will now have a complete ban on the sale and consumption of tobacco, alcohol, meat and related products. The state government has emphasized that the move aims to preserve the sanctity and religious heritage of these historically important Sikh centers.
Honour to Guru Tegh Bahadur
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann told reporters that people had been requesting such recognition for decades. He said, “Our government is blessed to have taken this decision. The special session will be remembered for a long time for this move.” The government has organized multiple events since November 23 to honour the 350th martyrdom year of the ninth Sikh Guru, and celebrations will continue through November 25.
AAP Party has posted on X and congratulated Punjab Government for taking historic decision.
नौवें पातशाह श्री गुरु तेग बहादुर जी के 350वें शहीदी दिवस के इस मौके को सम्मान देने के लिए पंजाब सरकार बहुत सारे कार्यक्रम कर रही है।
इस पवित्र अवसर पर आज पंजाब सरकार ने पहली बार चंडीगढ़ से बाहर विधानसभा का विशेष सत्र आयोजित किया, जिसमें श्री अमृतसर साहिब गलियारा, श्री आनंदपुर… pic.twitter.com/dexMhuNk9c
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) November 24, 2025
Importance of the Three Sikh Takhts
Of the five supreme Sikh Takhts, three are located in the newly declared holy cities — Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar, Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo, and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib. The Chief Minister stated that these locations represent not only religious devotion but also major pillars of Sikh cultural and civilizational history.
Development and Tourism Plans
The Chief Minister said the step is not linked to the demands of any single party or community. Instead, it was taken for the “preservation and global promotion of our cultural heritage.” He added that the government will focus on developing these cities holistically and boosting religious tourism so that pilgrims and visitors can experience their spiritual importance fully.
Also Read: PM Modi Pays Tribute on 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Teg Bahadur
