The Ayodhya administration has imposed a ban on the delivery of non-vegetarian food within a 15-kilometre radius of the Ram Temple, following repeated complaints from local residents and religious groups. The decision mainly targets online food delivery platforms that were allegedly supplying non-vegetarian items in areas considered sacred under the Panchkosi Parikrama route.
Officials said the move was taken to preserve the religious and cultural sanctity of Ayodhya, which has seen a sharp rise in pilgrim footfall after the consecration of the Ram Temple. Complaints had surfaced that despite earlier restrictions, non-vegetarian food continued to reach tourists and visitors through online delivery services.
Assistant Food Commissioner Manik Chandra Singh confirmed that strict instructions have been issued to hotels, shopkeepers and food delivery companies. “Following the complaints, the ban on online non-vegetarian food delivery has been imposed. Continuous monitoring will be conducted to ensure compliance,” he said.
Authorities also warned hotels, guest houses and homestays against serving non-vegetarian food and alcohol to guests. According to officials, some establishments were found violating earlier directives, prompting the administration to take tougher measures.
In May 2025, the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation had announced a ban on the sale of liquor and meat along the 14-kilometre Ram Path, which connects Ayodhya and Faizabad. However, locals claim that while meat shops were removed, the liquor ban was poorly enforced, with several alcohol outlets still operating along the route.
A municipal officer acknowledged the delay in action against liquor shops, stating that while the civic body acted against meat vendors, shutting down liquor vends requires authorisation from the district administration.
The latest ban marks another step by the local administration to enforce religious norms in and around Ayodhya, as the city continues to position itself as a major spiritual and cultural destination.
