Haridwar: A group of seers in Haridwar has launched a campaign seeking the removal of the term "veg biryani" from shop signboards, menus and food carts, arguing that the name is inconsistent with the religious and cultural character of the temple town.

Led by the Akhand Parshuram Akhada, volunteers have begun placing "veg pulao" stickers over signboards carrying the term "veg biryani" across different parts of the city. The campaigners contend that the word "biryani" is commonly associated with non-vegetarian cuisine and offends the sentiments of many devotees visiting the pilgrimage centre.

Pandit Adheer Kaushik, president of the Akhand Parshuram Akhada, said the initiative is aimed at encouraging traders to adopt terminology that reflects Haridwar's traditional vegetarian identity.

"Biryani is essentially a non-vegetarian dish. Even if local shopkeepers do not use meat, the word itself hurts the sentiments of vegetarians," Kaushik said.

The campaign is expected to expand beyond biryani. According to Kaushik, the next phase will focus on food items marketed as "kebab" and "chaap", terms the organisation believes are also linked to non-vegetarian dishes. The group has already approached municipal authorities seeking the removal of such names from restaurant and hotel menus.

Kaushik also alleged that non-vegetarian food continues to be supplied through online delivery platforms in areas where restrictions exist and said he has urged the district administration to intervene.

Certain localities in Haridwar, including Kankhal and Har Ki Pauri, are governed by long-standing bylaws that prohibit the sale of meat, eggs and liquor, although no citywide ban exists.

Responding to the controversy, Municipal Commissioner Nandan Kumar clarified that civic authorities are focused on enforcing existing regulations regarding the sale of non-vegetarian food in restricted areas.

"The civic body is concerned about not allowing the sale of non-vegetarian food items. Neither can we stop people from selling in permitted areas, nor can we encourage people to stop them. The matter comes under law and order," Kumar told PTI.

The campaign has received support from the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, which said food names used within the holy city should align with its spiritual traditions.

"The use of the word biryani is inappropriate for the city," said Mahant Ravindrapuri.

Backing the initiative, he argued that the term is closely linked with meat-based preparations and therefore does not reflect Haridwar's cultural ethos.

"Food items with the name biryani would not be allowed at any shop, hotel or cart within the municipal limits," he added.

Organisers insist that the campaign is not directed against businesses or livelihoods but is intended solely to encourage changes in food nomenclature through persuasion rather than confrontation.

They say the awareness drive will continue in the run-up to major religious gatherings, including the annual Kanwar Yatra next month and the 2027 Kumbh Mela.

Meanwhile, city police have warned that any activity violating the notified restrictions or disturbing public order would invite action.

SP (City) Abhay Pratap Singh said legal steps would be taken wherever required and stressed that law and order would be "maintained at all costs."