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

By Editor in Chief On Mar 31, 2025

In anticipation of Chaitra Ram Navami, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to organize a 24-hour continuous recitation (Akhand Paath) of the Ramcharitmanas in every district of the state. This spiritual event will begin on April 5 in the afternoon and will conclude on April 6 at noon, coinciding with the Surya Tilak of Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya.

Meat Sale Prohibition During the Festival

In addition to these religious observances, the state government has issued strict orders to close all meat shops on April 6 (the day of Chaitra Ram Navami). Furthermore, a ban has been enforced on the sale of meat within a 500-metre radius of all religious places for the entire nine-day festival of Chaitra Navratri, ensuring a sanctified environment in and around temples.

Arrangements for Devotees Visiting Temples

During a high-level review meeting on March 30, CM Adityanath instructed senior officials to ensure that adequate preparations are made at all major temples to accommodate the large number of devotees expected to visit during the festival. Special arrangements are being put in place at significant religious sites, including:

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, where the Surya Tilak of Ram Lalla will take place.
Devipatan Temple in Balrampur, a prominent Shaktipeeth.
Shakumbhari Devi Temple in Saharanpur, a major center of worship.
Vindhyavasini Devi Dham in Mirzapur, another important pilgrimage site.

The Chief Minister emphasized that due to high temperatures and long queues, devotees should not face any discomfort while waiting for darshan at temples. To ensure this, he has ordered the following measures:

Jute matting on temple premises to protect devotees from standing on hot surfaces.
Installation of temporary canopies to provide shade and relief from the sun.
Adequate availability of drinking water near temple entrances and queue areas.

Ensuring Uninterrupted Power Supply and Cleanliness Drive

To maintain an uninterrupted power supply during Chaitra Navratri, CM Adityanath directed officials to ensure 24-hour electricity across the state. All urban and rural areas must receive continuous power to facilitate temple activities and devotee services without disruption.

A statewide cleanliness campaign has also been launched under the Urban Development and Rural Development Departments. The primary objectives of this initiative include:

Thorough cleaning of temples and their surroundings in both urban and rural areas.
Deployment of additional sanitation workers to manage increased footfall.
Waste disposal and proper sanitation measures to maintain hygiene.

Security Measures and Crowd Management

Given the expected influx of devotees, the Chief Minister has stressed strict crowd control measures to prevent any mishaps. Law enforcement authorities have been instructed to:

Implement an effective crowd management plan, tailored to each temple’s specific requirements.
Increase police patrolling in temple areas to ensure public safety.
Monitor and regulate entry and exit points at major religious sites.

Action Against Illegal Slaughterhouses and Meat Sales

On March 30, the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, Amrit Abhijat, issued formal directives to all District Magistrates, Police Commissioners, and Municipal Commissioners, instructing them to strictly enforce the ban on illegal animal slaughter and meat sales near religious sites.

This directive is in line with previous government orders from 2014 and 2017, which called for the shutdown of unauthorized slaughterhouses and the strict regulation of meat sales near places of worship. To oversee the implementation of these orders, district-level committees have been formed, led by District Magistrates. These committees will include:

Police Department officials for law enforcement.
Pollution Control Board officers to ensure environmental compliance.
Animal Husbandry Department representatives to oversee livestock regulations.
Transport Department officials to monitor supply chains.
Labour and Health Department personnel for hygiene and worker welfare.
Food Safety Administration officers to check food-related violation

With these measures in place, the Uttar Pradesh government is working toward ensuring that Chaitra Ram Navami and Navratri are observed in a spiritually enriching and orderly manner. The focus remains on maintaining religious sanctity, ensuring public safety, and upholding hygiene standards across the state during this significant Hindu festival.