Demand for non-veg and alcohol-free Puri gains momentum after ban in Ayodhya

After the local administration in Ayodhya imposed a complete ban on the distribution and online delivery of non-vegetarian food within a 15-kilometre radius of the Ram Temple, a renewed debate has erupted in Odisha over the long-standing demand to make Puri a meat- and liquor-free holy city.

Saints, servitors of Srimandir in Puri, and intellectuals have intensified their demand, urging the state government to take firm steps to protect the sanctity and dignity of Lord Jagannath Dham-one of the four sacred Dhams of Hinduism. Devotees argue that if such restrictions can be enforced in Ayodhya, there is no justification for allowing the open sale of non-vegetarian food in Puri.

The debate has also revived memories of an announcement made by the Law Minister on June 8 last year, when he promised to make the entire stretch of Bada Danda from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, free of non-vegetarian food and to declare a two-kilometre radius around the temple a liquor-free zone. However, the absence of any visible implementation has led to widespread resentment, with many questioning the fate of that promise.

The situation on Puri’s Bada Danda today has further fuelled the controversy. Rows of fast-food stalls selling cooked chicken and mutton have mushroomed along both sides of the Grand Road, extending right up to the vicinity of the Gundicha Temple. Non-vegetarian trade is also thriving in nearby areas such as Mochi Sahi, College Road, Red Cross Road and Masani Chandi Chhak, particularly on Wednesdays and Sundays. Locals allege that even the sea beach road has not been spared, undermining the spiritual atmosphere of the holy city.

Also Read: No liquor, non-veg shops will be allowed near Puri Srimandir: Odisha Minister

Senior servitors and mahants of various monasteries have expressed concern that devotees visiting Puri with deep religious sentiments are disturbed by the smell and open sale of non-vegetarian food. They point out that pilgrims who have visited other sacred places like Ayodhya, Vrindavan, Dwarka and Tirupati often express shock at the situation in Puri.

"At least, places around the temple, sea side and the holy ponds should be immediately free from non-vegetarian food," said senior servitor Ganesh Mahasuara.

"Puri is the centre of all the spiritual places. Feat, fish and other non-vegetarian foods are sold in the streets of Bada Danda. We request that this kind of practise should be completely stopped at this holy place," said Nebala Das mutt mahanta Ramacharan Das Maharaj.

For over two decades, the demand for a 'non-veg-free Puri’ has been raised repeatedly. As many as 32 organisations, under the banner of the Odisha Yuva Chetana Parishad, have been agitating on this issue since 1999. With the comparison to Ayodhya sharpening public sentiment, pressure is now mounting on the state government to act decisively.

Meanwhile, the Executive Officer of the Puri Municipality has stated that the administration will take firm action once a clear and strict directive is issued by the government.

"Non-vegetarian food is sold in Bada Danda. the administration will take firm action once a clear and strict directive is issued by the government," said Abhimanyu Behera, Executive Officer of the Puri Municipality.