Meat Shops to Close During Navratri in Varanasi: Civic Body Ensures Compliance
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), India, March 29 (ANI): The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has declared that all meat shops In the city, they will stay closed throughout the forthcoming Navratri festival, with this decision having been sanctioned by the authorities. executive board will be supported by awareness campaigns and law-enforcement initiatives during the festive season.
Municipal Commissioner Akshat Verma talked to ANI and mentioned that efforts are being made to implement the directive.
"According to the choice made by the team executive board , we have determined that the meat shops in the municipal area will stay shut throughout Navratri. We are aiming to make this happen," Verma stated.
To guarantee adherence, the municipal authority will initially initiate a public education drive.
Our fleet of vans will circulate throughout the city to monitor the situation. Should anything come up, meat shops "If they are discovered to be open during this time, we will take appropriate measures," he added.
Over the past few years, multiple towns in Uttar Pradesh have implemented short-term prohibitions on selling meat during significant Hindu celebrations to uphold spiritual purity and communal feelings.
In the nation’s capital, BJP legislator Ravi Kant, representing Delhi’s Trilokpuri constituency, has called for the shutdown of meat shops In East Delhi during Chaitra Navratri, starting on March 30.
In a correspondence addressed to the District Magistrate of the East District, specifically at Shastri Nagar, Kant asked for their assistance with a particular matter. meat shops will be closed throughout the nine-day festival to preserve sanctity and guarantee cleanliness across Delhi
He emphasized the importance of the forthcoming Chaitra Navratri and the Hindu New Year festivities starting on March 30.
In his correspondence, he highlighted that the complete Sanatan Hindu community, worshippers of Goddess Durga, celebrate these nine days with deep devotion, abstinence, and respect.
Moreover, Kant pointed out that April 6 signifies the birthday of Lord Rama, observed as the ninth day during the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra. This event holds great significance for the whole Sanatani fraternity.
Muslim cleric Chaudhary Iftaar Hussain, when replying to BJP legislator Ravi Kant, previously voiced his approval for shutting down meat shops During the Navratri festival, they mentioned that the Muslim community wouldn’t object to this change since it honors the feelings of the Hindu community.
Chaudhary Ifzaheim Hussein emphasized that each religion possesses its distinct emotions and beliefs, highlighting the significance of respecting different faiths.
In discussions with ANI, Chaudhary Ifraheem Husain stated, “The Muslim community sees no issue with this action since it acknowledges the feelings of the Hindu community. It’s purely an administrative concern. Muslims have no qualms about this because each religion holds specific beliefs and emotions dear, which should be honored by everyone.”
Navratri, translating to 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, is devoted to the veneration of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, referred to as Navdurga.
Hindus celebrate four Navratris annually; however, only two—Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri—are extensively observed. These occur during seasonal transitions.
The nine-day celebration, referred to as Rama Navratri, concludes on Rama Navami, the birth anniversary of Lord Ram. Each of these nine days of Navratri is dedicated to paying tribute to the nine forms of the divine feminine energy known as Goddess Shakti.
In 2025, Eid-ul-Fitr might coincide with Chaitra Navratri, a Hindu celebration. Eid could be observed on either March 30 or 31, while Navratri would start on March 30 and conclude on April 7. (ANI)