For the first time in Varanasi’s religious and cultural capital, a complete ban on the sale of meat, fish, and poultry has been enforced within the city’s municipal limits throughout the Chaitra Navratri festival. This significant decision, which affects all non-vegetarian food vendors, will be implemented starting Sunday and will remain in place for the duration of the festival.
The ruling was passed during a meeting of the Varanasi Municipal Corporation’s (VMC) executive committee, which convened on Thursday under the leadership of Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari. The decision is particularly noteworthy as this year, the festival of Eid is set to coincide with Navratri, with Eid’s celebration depending on the moon’s sighting and likely to take place on Monday.
Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari emphasized that the directive would be strictly enforced, urging all concerned parties to comply without exception. Speaking about the overlapping religious observances, he noted, “The executive-approved proposal to close meat shops during Navratri will be rigorously implemented.” Addressing the city’s diverse communities, he stated, “Our Muslim brothers should acknowledge that Navratri is one of the most sacred periods for Hindus.”
Highlighting the historical and spiritual significance of Varanasi, the mayor reiterated that the city is regarded as a prominent religious and cultural hub, attracting nearly 200,000 pilgrims every day. He underscored that upholding traditions is crucial to maintaining the city’s spiritual ethos. “This should be considered a tradition rather than an imposition,” he added, advocating for collective respect toward religious sentiments.
During Thursday’s discussion, executive committee member Madan Mohan Dubey put forth the proposal to extend the closure of meat, fish, and poultry shops for the entire duration of Navratri. The proposal was met with widespread approval, further strengthening the municipal body’s commitment to preserving the religious integrity of the temple town.
Additionally, the VMC committee approved new regulations restricting the sale of cigarettes near religious places and educational institutions. This move aims to create a healthier and more respectful environment in and around key locations. Furthermore, a new licensing fee for cigarette vendors was also introduced as part of the committee’s broader efforts to regulate trade in sensitive areas.
Earlier in March, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation launched a major enforcement drive led by city veterinary officer Dr. Ajay Pratap Singh. The operation resulted in the shutdown of 26 non-vegetarian food outlets located near the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The crackdown was not limited to Hindu-majority areas but was also extended to markets in Muslim-majority localities such as Naisadak and Beniabagh.
The campaign to limit meat and liquor sales in proximity to religious sites was initially advocated by Adivishveshwar corporator Indresh Kumar Singh. Citing Section 91 (2) of the Municipal Corporation Act of 1959, Singh proposed that such businesses be barred from operating near temples to preserve the sanctity of these spaces.
This move aligns with similar regulations implemented in other prominent temple towns across India. During a January discussion within the VMC, several corporators pointed out that cities like Ayodhya, Mathura, and Haridwar have already established a precedent by prohibiting the sale of meat and liquor within a radius of two to five kilometers from their respective temples. Given this precedent, the proposal to enforce similar restrictions in Varanasi was passed unanimously.
With these new regulations in place, the city administration aims to reinforce Varanasi’s status as a deeply spiritual center. The municipal corporation remains firm in its commitment to ensuring that religious traditions are upheld while also making efforts to promote cleaner and more culturally respectful surroundings for both residents and the millions of devotees who visit the city each year.