Punjab declares Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo Holy Cities
Why in the news
The Punjab government notified three Sikh-linked places as Holy Cities on 16 December 2025, with restrictions on certain products in the notified areas.
Key facts
- Cities: Amritsar (walled city), Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar and Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib) in Bathinda.
- Restrictions: no sale or consumption of liquor, cigarettes, tobacco and other intoxicants, and no sale or consumption of meat.
- Notification: signed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Alok Shekhar, with the Governor’s approval.
- Enforcement: Deputy Commissioners of Amritsar, Rupnagar and Bathinda are to oversee compliance.
- Background: follows commemorations of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
| Holy City | District |
|---|---|
| Amritsar (walled city) | Amritsar |
| Sri Anandpur Sahib | Rupnagar |
| Talwandi Sabo / Sri Damdama Sahib | Bathinda |
About the decision
- A special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly was held in Anandpur Sahib during the Guru Tegh Bahadur commemorations.
- Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced plans to develop Sri Anandpur Sahib as a heritage street city.
- The restrictions are handled by departments: Excise for liquor, Health for tobacco and Animal Husbandry for meat.
Exam angle
- State government decisions often ask the list of places: remember all three cities and their districts.
- Note the official: Alok Shekhar, ACS (Home).
- Link the move to Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th martyrdom anniversary.