The notification, issued on December 15, 2025, grants these cities a formal status that includes strict legal prohibitions on activities deemed incompatible with their religious character.
In a historic move to preserve the spiritual sanctity of Punjab’s most sacred sites, the state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has officially notified Amritsar (Walled City), Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib) as “Holy Cities” (Pavitar Sehar).
Key Highlights of the Notification
Geographic Scope: The status applies to the Walled City of Amritsar (specifically the Galiara area around the Golden Temple), and the entire municipal limits of Sri Anandpur Sahib (Rupnagar) and Talwandi Sabo (Bathinda).
Total Bans: To maintain the “Maryada” (religious code of conduct), the sale and consumption of the following are now strictly prohibited within these zones:
Alcohol (Liquor vends and bars).
Meat and meat products.
Tobacco and tobacco-related products (Cigarettes, bidis, gutkha).Intoxicants and other narcotic substances.
Legal Backing: The notification, signed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Alok Shekhar, provides statutory force to these restrictions, empowering the Departments of Excise, Health, and Animal Husbandry to enforce compliance.
Development and Infrastructure Goals
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized that this is not just about restrictions, but about transformation. The government has committed to:
Heritage Development: Building a Heritage Street in Sri Anandpur Sahib similar to the one in Amritsar.
Pilgrim Facilities: Launching free e-rickshaws, shuttle buses, and mini-bus services to ensure smooth movement for devotees.
Global Tourism: Elevating these cities as world-class religious and cultural heritage hubs to attract global tourism.
Historical Significance
The declaration coincides with the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. These three cities host three of the five Sikh Takhts (seats of authority):
Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Amritsar)
Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Sri Anandpur Sahib)
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo)
“This is a moment of gratitude, humility, and responsibility for the state… these cities are the heart of our cultural and spiritual heritage.” — CM Bhagwant Mann