Is Non-Veg Food Banned Around Ayodhya’s Ram Temple?
The Ayodhya administration has imposed a ban on the delivery of non-vegetarian food within a 15-kilometre radius of the Ram temple, citing complaints that online food platforms were supplying meat-based items in areas considered religiously significant.
According to The Times of India (TOI), the restriction applies to zones falling under the ‘paanch kosi parikrama’ area surrounding the temple.
Speaking to TOI, Ayodhya Assistant Food Commissioner Manik Chandra Singh said the decision was taken after authorities received repeated complaints that non-vegetarian food was being delivered to tourists despite an existing ban.
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“Following these complaints, we have now imposed a strict ban on online non-vegetarian food deliveries as well,” he said. Singh added that hotels, homestays, shopkeepers, and food delivery companies have been informed, and the administration will conduct continuous monitoring to ensure compliance.
As per Hindustan Times (HT), the ban also extends to hotels and restaurants in Ayodhya Dham, where serving non-vegetarian food has now been completely prohibited.
Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against establishments and delivery platforms found violating the order. Singh told HT that although rules were already in place, online delivery of non-veg food continued through various platforms, prompting the administration to tighten enforcement.
“We are ensuring that meat is neither served nor delivered through online platforms in these areas,” Singh told HT, adding that delivery services tied up with hotels must strictly follow the rules or face penalties.
However, the situation on the ground remains mixed. TOI reported that despite a resolution passed by the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation (AMC) last year to ban liquor and meat sales along the 14-kilometre Ram Path, over two dozen licensed liquor shops continue to operate in the area.
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An AMC official told TOI that while efforts have been made to remove meat shops, relocating liquor outlets requires approval from the district administration.
The move has received support from sections of the hospitality industry. Speaking to HT, hotel general manager Shubham Srivastava welcomed the ban, calling it an important step to preserve the sanctity of Ayodhya Dham.
“Consumption of non-vegetarian food is prohibited in our holy scriptures and is considered a sin in our religion. We support this decision and aim to maintain the holy spirit of Ayodhya by not serving non-veg food,” he told HT.
