The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has issued an order mandating the closure of all meat shops in the city during the nine-day Chaitra Navratri festival, set to begin on March 30. The directive, approved by the executive board, aims to respect religious sentiments and will be enforced through public awareness campaigns and strict monitoring by municipal authorities. Municipal Commissioner Akshat Verma confirmed that mobile vans will patrol the city to ensure compliance, warning that non-adherence will result in penalties.
This move follows a pattern of similar bans on meat sales during major Hindu festivals in Uttar Pradesh, citing religious sanctity and public sentiment. However, the directive has sparked concerns as it coincides with the concluding days of Ramadan and preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr, expected to be celebrated on either March 31 or April 1, depending on moon sighting. The decision may affect meat traders, particularly those catering to the Muslim community for Eid festivities.
Meanwhile, in Delhi, BJP MLA Ravi Kant has written to the District Magistrate of East Delhi, requesting a similar ban on meat shops in his constituency during Chaitra Navratri. Such measures have drawn mixed reactions, with proponents arguing for religious harmony and critics raising concerns about economic implications and selective enforcement.
