Historic decision to declare holy cities should have been implemented long ago; I’m grateful to Almighty for granting us wisdom & strength to take this historic decision: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
CHANDIGARH, 21st December, 2025: The Punjab government has declared three holy cities and enforced a complete ban on meat and alcohol. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the Punjab Government has taken a historic decision by issuing a notification granting the status of holy cities to Sikh religious cities, calling it a moment of gratitude, humility, and responsibility for the state. Addressing the people of Punjab in a video message, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Dear Punjabis, your own government in Punjab has taken a historic decision by issuing a notification to grant Sikh religious cities the status of holy cities.
The announcement was made from the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib. It was on the occasion of the state level function to commemorate 350th ‘Shaheedi Diwas’ (martyrdom day) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. I am thankful to the Almighty, who blessed us with wisdom, strength, and the capability to take such a historic decision.”
Meat Alcohol Banned ; Holy City Status for Cities Linked to Sikh Takhts
Explaining the significance of the move, the Chief Minister said that out of the five Sikh Takhts, three are located in Punjab. “Sri Akal Takht Sahib is at Amritsar. Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib is at Sri Anandpur Sahib. Takht Sri Damdama Sahib is at Talwandi Sabo. “These sacred Takhts are located in Punjab. The government has now officially granted their associated cities the status of centres of faith. They are now recognized as holy cities,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the state government will ensure all necessary facilities. Devotees visiting these cities will do so with reverence. “The Punjab Government will make all necessary arrangements. They will provide facilities like e-rickshaws, mini-buses, and other public transport services. This is to ensure that devotees and sangat arriving from across the world in faith do not face any inconvenience. Devotees should have a smooth experience,” he said.
CM Mann Announces Strict Rules for Punjab’s Holy Cities
The Chief Minister made it clear that strict regulations will now apply in these holy cities. Authorities will completely prohibit the sale of meat, alcohol, tobacco, and all intoxicating substances in all these cities.He assured that this decision reflects the sanctity of the places.
“He reiterated the government’s commitment and said, ‘I assure you, with full responsibility, that we will spare no effort.’”We will ensure the overall and appropriate development of these cities. These cities are not only religious centres but also a very important symbol of our cultural heritage.”
Congratulating the Sikh community, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire Sikh sangat. “The government should have implemented this historic decision to declare holy cities long ago.”With the issuance of the notification, this decision has now come into effect. These cities have officially attained the status of holy cities.”
On December 15, 2025, the Punjab Government officially issued a notification. It declared the walled city of Amritsar in Amritsar district as a Holy City of the State of Punjab. The city of Sri Anandpur Sahib is in Rupnagar district. The city of Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib) is in Bathinda district. These cities were also declared as Holy Cities. The notification formally grants a special status to these historically and religiously significant cities. This is in recognition of their spiritual importance. They also hold global faith-based relevance.
About the Author
