Ram Navami: UP govt orders 24-hour recital of Ramcharitmanas in all districts, ban on meat sale

During a review meeting with senior officials on Saturday, CM Adityanath emphasised that the Akhand Paath, which will begin on the afternoon of April 5, would conclude on April 6 noon at the Shri Ramjanmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya with the Surya Tilak of Ram Lalla.

Following the CM’s directives, arrangements have started at temples across all districts.

The CM noted that large numbers of devotees are expected to visit major Devi (deity Durga) temples and Shaktipeeths such as the Devipatan Temple in Balrampur, Shakumbhari Devi Temple in Saharanpur and Vindhyavasini Devi Dham in Mirzapur, among others.

“Devotees from across the country are expected to visit Ayodhya to witness the Surya Tilak. Therefore, all essential arrangements must be made to ensure the convenience and safety of the devotees. Jute matting should be placed to prevent discomfort while standing in long queues under the scorching sun. Adequate drinking water facilities should be available at all temples and canopies should be set up,” he instructed.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that uninterrupted 24-hour power supply be ensured across the state during Chaitra Navratri. He also instructed that egg or meat shops and similar establishments must not be permitted near temples and emphasised strict measures to prevent illegal slaughtering.

In preparation for Navratri, he ordered the Urban Development and Rural Development Departments to run special cleanliness campaigns, ensuring a clean environment around temples and devalayas in both cities and villages.

He also instructed that additional sanitation workers be deployed as necessary. Adityanath also directed the police to implement a crowd management action plan and ensure proper foot patrolling, tailored to local needs.

Later on Saturday, Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, directed all District Magistrates, Police Commissioners and Municipal Commissioners to promptly close down illegal slaughterhouses, ensuring strict implementation of the meat sale ban near religious places.

The Chief Minister ordered the Urban Development and Rural Development Departments to run special cleanliness campaigns (Archive)

Citing the orders issued in 2014 and 2017, the government has emphasised that illegal animal slaughter and meat sales near religious places will be completely banned. To ensure effective implementation, district-level committees have been formed under the leadership of District Magistrates.

These committees will include officers from the police, Pollution Control Board, animal husbandry department, transport department, labour department, health department and food safety administration.

A strict ban on animal slaughter and meat sales will be enforced on April 6, during Ram Navami. Under the UP Municipal Corporation Act, 1959, and Food Safety Acts of 2006 & 2011, the government has directed officials to take strict action against those flouting the norms.