Ayodhya draws red line on non-veg food near Ram temple

Non-veg food delivery and alcohol serving face stricter action in Ayodhya as authorities move to enforce sanctity around the Ram temple area

PGurus Newsdesk

January 10, 2026

Non-veg food deliveries continue despite ban, Ayodhya steps in

Non-veg, alcohol under scanner in Ayodhya

The Ayodhya district administration on Friday imposed a blanket ban on the delivery of non-vegetarian food within a 15-kilometre radius of the Ram temple, stepping up enforcement in the sacred town following repeated complaints of violations.

Officials said the decision was triggered by reports that online food delivery platforms were supplying non-vegetarian meals in areas falling under the revered Panchkosi Parikrama circuit. Authorities also flagged violations by certain hotels and homestays that were allegedly serving non-vegetarian food and even alcohol to visitors, despite long-standing restrictions.

A strict warning has now been issued to all hospitality establishments in Ayodhya, directing them to immediately stop such practices or face action.

The latest move comes months after the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation, in May 2025, announced a ban on the sale of liquor and meat along the 14-kilometre Ram Path — the key stretch linking Ayodhya with Faizabad. While officials claim meat shops have been removed from the route, locals say the liquor ban exists largely on paper, with more than two dozen alcohol outlets still operating along the corridor.

Responding to the criticism, a municipal officer admitted that while the civic body acted against meat vendors, action against liquor shops required authorisation from the district administration.

Assistant Food Commissioner Manik Chandra Singh confirmed that complaints continued to surface about tourists receiving non-vegetarian food deliveries despite restrictions.

“After repeated violations, we have imposed a complete ban on online non-vegetarian food delivery in the designated zone. All hotels, shopkeepers and delivery platforms have been formally informed. Continuous monitoring will be carried out to ensure strict compliance,” Singh said.

The administration has indicated that enforcement will be intensified in the coming days to preserve the religious sanctity of Ayodhya as pilgrim inflow continues to rise.

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