Sacred Perimeter: Ayodhya Bans Non-Veg Food And Online Deliveries In “Ayodhya Dham”

AYODHYA – The holy city of Ayodhya has further solidified its status as a spiritual sanctuary with a comprehensive ban on non-vegetarian food. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, Ayodhya Food Commissioner Manik Chandra Singh announced that serving or delivering meat products is now strictly prohibited within the “Ayodhya Dham” area and the sacred 15-km Panchkosi Parikrama perimeter.

The move marks a significant tightening of existing regulations, specifically targeting a loophole where tourists and residents were still ordering non-vegetarian meals through online delivery platforms.

1. Total Ban on Online Deliveries

While physical meat shops were previously restricted along the “Ram Path,” the new directive explicitly includes digital commerce.

• The Crackdown: Authorities noted that despite previous bans, online food aggregators continued to supply non-vegetarian items within the restricted zone.
• The Penalty: Commissioner Singh warned that delivery platforms and hotels found flouting the rules will face “strict action,” which could include the cancellation of operating licenses.
• The Radius: The ban is particularly focused on the 15-kilometer radius surrounding the Ram Temple, encompassing the traditional pilgrimage route.

2. Preserving “Sanctity” of the Dham

The decision has been welcomed by local hospitality leaders who view the ban as essential to the city’s religious identity.

“Consumption of non-veg is prohibited in our holy scriptures; it is considered a sin in our religion. We aim to safeguard the holy spirit of Ayodhya Dham by not serving non-veg in our hotel.” — Shubham Srivastava, Hotel General Manager

3. Delhi CM Flags Off “Sanatan” Pilgrimage

In a related development on Thursday, January 8, Delhi’s 9th Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, flagged off a group of 40 devotees from the Jan Seva Sadan for a journey to the Ram Mandir.

• The Message: CM Gupta described the pilgrimage as a “strong message of Sanatan faith” and “cultural unity.”
• Leadership Tribute: She credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the temple’s construction, calling it a symbol of the “reawakening of India’s national consciousness.”
• Political Context: Rekha Gupta, who took office as Delhi’s Chief Minister in February 2025 after the BJP’s landslide assembly win, has been vocal about promoting spiritual tourism as a pillar of national identity.

4. Ayodhya’s Restricted Zone Rules (Jan 2026)