Varanasi MC orders closure of meat shops in city limits during Navratri

“This is the first time a decision has been taken to keep all meat and fish shops closed during Navratri, starting March 30. Officials have been directed to enforce the order and shop owners were informed about the decision taken in the executive meeting,” said Varanasi Mayor Ashok Tiwari.

Tiwari said in Thursday’s meeting of the Municipal Corporation’s executive council, a member proposed a complete closure of meat and fish shops during Navratri. There are around 400-500 meat and fish shops operating within the city limits.

The order has been issued considering Kashi’s religious traditions and the sentiments of devotees and a mark of respect for those observing Navratri when people fast and worship Goddess Durga, an official said.

The shopkeepers violating the order will face legal action, he added. Navratri will conclude on April 7.

In January this year, the Varanasi civic body had issued notices to meat shop owners operating within a two-kilometer radius of the Vishwanath Temple, directing them to shut down for “violating rules.” The directive was based on a resolution passed by the corporation last year, which prohibited meat shops from operating within this radius.

The meat shop owners, however, have alleged harassment, claiming they are being forced to close without any alternative arrangements in place.

Tiwari said presently no meat shops is running within two kilometer radius of Vishwanath temple.