India’s Spiritual Identity and the Concept of ‘Holy Cities’ – From the Punjab Model to National and Global Perspectives – A Comprehensive International Analysis
Three cities, the centres of historical, religious and cultural consciousness of Sikhism – Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib and the mural city of Talwandi Sabo – have been declared Holy Cities.
The declaration of Holy Cities is not a state policy, but an important experiment in integrating India’s spiritual heritage with a modern administrative structure. - Advocate Kishan Samukhdas Bhavnani, Gondia, Maharashtra
Gondia – The identity that has earned India the greatest global prestige is its spiritual consciousness, faith-based outlook on life, and cultural traditions rooted in religion, philosophy and ethics. Since ancient times, India has not been just a geographical entity but has evolved into a spiritual civilization, where spiritual purity, sobriety and moral discipline have been given utmost priority along with the material aspects of life. Within this tradition, many cities, towns and pilgrimage sites across the country have been seen not only as centres of residence or trade but also as symbols of spiritual practice, service and social purity. I, Advocate Kishan Sanmukhdas Bhavani, Gondia Maharashtra, believe that in this global era, when urbanization, consumerism and drug addiction are weakening the social fabric, the concept of holy cities becomes very relevant not only from a religious but also from a social, administrative and health perspective. Globally, it is being observed that lifestyle-related diseases, mental stress, drug addiction, crime and social disintegration are increasing rapidly in modern cities. In such a situation, it is natural for a country like India to present an alternative urban model based on its spiritual heritage, where development is not just about economic growth but also about social purity, moral discipline and public health. The initiative to declare holy cities can be seen as a concrete step in this direction. Its aim is not just to protect religious sentiments, but to enable a collective journey towards clean governance, a healthy society and a drug-free life. In Punjab, whose soul is connected to the spirit of devotion, whose streets resonate with the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose devotion is deeply rooted in its soil, religiosity is not limited to worship alone but is also its cultural and colloquial identity. Just as the bells of gurdwaras and the greenery of fields go hand in hand, so too is the life of Punjab a unique confluence of religion and faith. Three cities have been accorded the status of holy cities. In this context, the Punjab government’s declaration of three major religious cities as holy cities has special significance at the national and international levels. After the announcement made by the Chief Minister of Punjab on November 25, 2025 and the approval of the Governor, the government issued a formal notification, making the decision effective from both policy and administrative aspects. It is not just a symbolic decision, but also comes with clear rules, restrictions, responsibilities and an administrative structure. This fact makes it a serious and exemplary model.
Friends, talking about the declared holy cities, the three cities of Punjab that have been given the status of holy cities include the walled city of Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo. These three cities have been the centers of historical, religious and cultural consciousness of Sikhism. The walled city of Amritsar, where Sri Harmandir Sahib is located, is a symbol of spiritual harmony and service not only for the Sikhs but also for the entire world. Sri Anandpur Sahib is associated with the establishment of the Khalsa Panth, while Talwandi Sabo is known as the "Guru's Kashi", where Guru Gobind Singh Ji resided for a long time. To maintain the religious dignity of these cities, the Sangat and religious organizations have long demanded that they be declared holy cities. As per the resolution passed by the government, there will be a complete ban on the sale and use of all types of intoxicants, including alcohol, meat and tobacco, in these three cities. The decision is not limited to religious discipline, but also has far-reaching social and health implications. A drug-free environment not only increases the chances of reducing crime and violence, but also improves public health, family stability and secures the future of the youth. Internationally, many countries have implemented such restrictions in areas of religious or cultural significance, but in a vast and diverse country like India, such a clear and comprehensive decision assumes special significance. The Punjab government claims that this decision fulfills the long-standing demand of the Sangat. Moreover, the government has clarified that after the declaration of holy cities, special schemes will be implemented in these areas to ensure cleanliness, security, development and promote religious tourism. This initiative shows that the government sees holiness not just as a restrictive policy but as a positive development model. Strengthening sanitation, improving crowd management and traffic control, and beautifying historical streets and religious paths, all these are safe havens.
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