Varanasi bans meat, fish and poultry sales during Chaitra Navratri as Eid coincides
PTC Web Desk: In a historic move, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) has ordered the closure of all meat, fish, and poultry shops within the city’s municipal limits throughout the Chaitra Navratri festival, starting Sunday. The decision, approved during an executive committee meeting chaired by Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari on Thursday, was reported by The Times of India.
The directive comes as Eid is expected to coincide with Navratri, which is likely to be observed on Monday, depending on the moon sighting. Stressing the importance of compliance, Mayor Tiwari stated, “The executive-approved proposal to close meat shops during Navratri will be enforced rigorously.”
Addressing the matter, Tiwari urged the Muslim community to consider the sentiments of Hindus who regard Navratri as sacred. “They should understand that their Hindu brothers observe Navratri with deep reverence. It is just a matter of nine days; is anyone stopping them for the remaining 360 days?” he remarked.
Highlighting Varanasi’s religious and cultural significance, the mayor noted that the city welcomes around 2 lakh pilgrims daily. He emphasised that maintaining traditions should not be seen as an imposition but rather as a practice in line with the spiritual essence of the city.
During the meeting, executive committee member Madan Mohan Dubey proposed extending the ban on meat, fish, and poultry sales throughout the entire Navratri period. In addition, the committee enforced a prohibition on the sale of cigarettes near religious sites and schools while approving a licence fee for cigarette vendors.
Earlier in the month, VMC teams, led by city veterinary officer Dr Ajay Pratap Singh, took action against non-vegetarian food vendors, shutting down 26 shops near Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The drive extended to predominantly Muslim localities, including Naisadak and Beniabagh markets.
The move aligns with earlier discussions within VMC, where corporators referenced temple towns like Ayodhya, Mathura, and Haridwar, which maintain a meat and liquor-free zone within a radius of two to five kilometers. The proposal, introduced by Adivishveshwar corporator Indresh Kumar Singh under Section 91(2) of the Municipal Corporation Act, 1959, received unanimous approval.
- With inputs from agencies
