"Everyone should welcome this decision:" VHP President Alok Kumar welcomes ban on meat, alcohol within Ayodhya Dham
Ayodhya, January 11
International Working President of the Vishva Hindu Parishad, Alok Kumar, on Saturday welcomed the decision to impose a strict ban on non-vegetarian food in hotels and restaurants within Ayodhya Dham, stating that Ayodhya is becoming the spiritual and religious centre of India.
The VHP President further declared that everybody should welcome this decision.
"... Everyone should welcome this decision (of banning alcohol and meat in Ayodhya). In other holy cities like Haridwar and Tirupati, alcohol and meat are not sold. Ayodhya is becoming the spiritual and religious centre of India, and it is absolutely correct that alcohol and meat should not be sold here...," Kumar told ANI.
Earlier, Ayodhya Food Commissioner Manik Chandra Singh announced a strict ban on non-vegetarian food in hotels and restaurants within Ayodhya Dham.
The ban includes online deliveries, and authorities will penalise platforms violating the rule.
Speaking to ANI, Food Commissioner Ayodhya Manik Chandra Singh said, "... Non-vegetarian food has been banned from being served in hotels and restaurants in Ayodhya Dham."Singh also announced to take action against hotels and delivery platforms flouting rules.
"However, online delivery was still taking place through various platforms. We are ensuring that in these areas, meat will neither be served nor delivered through online platforms. We will also ensure that delivery platforms tied up with hotels strictly follow the rules, failing which strict action will be taken against them...," added Singh.
The decision aims to align with Ayodhya's cultural and religious significance and respect local sentiments and pilgrim preferences.
Speaking on the ban, Shubham Srivastava, a hotel General Manager, welcomed it as a measure to preserve the sanctity of the Ayodhya Dham.
"Consumption of non-veg is prohibited in our holy scriptures; it is considered a sin in our religion. We, thus, are appreciative of this ban and aim to safeguard and maintain the holy spirit of Ayodhya Dham by not serving non-veg in our hotel," he told ANI.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I respect the religious sentiments, I have concerns. What about the local businesses and workers who depend on selling non-veg? The economy should also be considered. A balanced approach is needed.
Fully agree! Ayodhya is a sacred city for Hindus. Maintaining its purity is essential. Other cities have their own rules, this is ours. Jai Shri Ram! 🚩
Interesting to see this cultural decision. As a visitor, I respect local customs. If I'm visiting a place of religious importance, I would expect to follow its norms. It adds to the unique experience.
The ban on online delivery is a smart move to enforce it properly. It shows the administration is serious. Hope they provide support to affected businesses to transition.
My family is planning a pilgrimage next month. This news makes us even more eager to visit. Knowing the city is committed to a sattvik environment is very reassuring for devotees.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.