Varanasi Municipal Corporation Bans All Meat Shops During Sawan to Honor Devotional Sentiments; Enforcement Begins Across City
In a major administrative and cultural move, the #VaranasiMunicipalCorporation has officially passed a resolution mandating the closure of all meat and fish shops located within the municipal boundaries during the entire holy month of #Sawan—a sacred period in the Hindu calendar that sees a significant surge in religious pilgrimages and spiritual observances across India, especially in Varanasi.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the corporation’s executive committee, which convened on Friday, the very day that marked the beginning of the Sawan month. The proposal to enforce a city-wide meat shop closure was introduced by executive member Hanuman Prasad and received unanimous approval, reflecting broad political and civic consensus on the matter.
Announcing the resolution, #VaranasiMayorAshokKumarTiwari said,
“Taking into account various factors, especially the massive arrival of #Kanwariyas and other Hindu devotees in Varanasi during Sawan, it was decided that the sale of meat and fish would be banned within the city limits. This move is aimed at preserving the sanctity and devotional atmosphere of the religious capital of India.”
The municipal limits span approximately 183 square miles, and within this area, the order will apply to all meat and fish shops. As part of enforcement efforts, dedicated teams were dispatched on Saturday morning to ensure strict compliance.
These teams have been instructed to seal shops found operating in defiance of the resolution. According to officials, strict legal action will be taken against violators.
Surge in Pilgrims, Spiritual Significance Behind the Move
Varanasi, home to the revered #KashiVishwanathTemple, witnesses a substantial spike in the number of pilgrims during Sawan. While the city usually sees a footfall of 1 to 1.5 lakh visitors daily, that number skyrockets to nearly 4 to 5 lakh during the Sawan month, largely driven by religious tourism and Shiva worship rituals observed during this period.
“This step is not just administrative, it’s cultural and spiritual,” Mayor Tiwari stated. “We want those who come to Varanasi to worship and meditate during this auspicious month to experience a pure and serene environment. This resolution is a way to honor their faith and ensure they return with positive and divine sentiments.”
Enforcement and Clarifications from the Veterinary Department
Confirming the implementation, #ChiefVeterinaryOfficer Dr. Santosh Pal said the process to shut down all unlicensed meat and fish shops had begun.
He noted that nearly 350 meat shops operate within the municipal limits, and surprisingly, none of them currently hold valid licences from the municipal corporation.
“Enforcement teams have already started visiting key areas and initiating closures. However, it’s important to clarify that the order does not apply to restaurants serving non-vegetarian food. The directive is specific to open retail shops of meat and fish,” he added.
Historical Context and Shopkeepers’ Concerns
This is not the first time that the municipal authorities have moved to restrict meat sales in Varanasi. Last year, a resolution was passed to ban such shops within a two-kilometre radius of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, though implementation remained partial.
Several shop owners were issued notices for defying the ban, and some alleged harassment and lack of alternative arrangements, claiming they were ordered to shut down without any formal relocation or rehabilitation plans.
Many of these shops are clustered in areas like #NaiSadak, #Beniabagh, Sheikh Salim Phatak, and other residential and market zones. The new order now extends the ban across the entire municipal region, making it the most comprehensive closure directive to date for the city during a religious period.
