Ayodhya News: Yogi Govt Bans Meat And Restricts Liquor Sales For 9 Days As Navratri Begins On October 3

UP govt has imposed a ban on sale of meat and restricted the sale of liquor in Ayodhya during the9-day Navratri festival, which begins on Oct 3, under the Food Safety and Standards Act-2006.

Ayodhya News: The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has imposed a ban on the sale of meat and restricted that of liquor in Ayodhya during the nine-day Navratri festival. The ban will remain in force from October 3 to October 11, coinciding with Sharadiya Navratri, a period of religious significance for Hindus, according to an IANS report.

The order, issued by the Yogi government, prohibits the sale of meat across Ayodhya district, with strict enforcement under the Food Safety and Standards Act-2006. Violators will face serious consequences for defying the ban, the notice said. In addition to a total ban on meat, the sale of liquor is also restricted, especially near religious sites, the IANS report said. The sale of alcohol will be permitted only for limited hours, and the government has said it will continue to crack down on illegal or spurious liquor sales throughout the state.

During a video conference with district magistrates and superintendents of police from across the state, CM Yogi stressed on maintaining law and order during the festival season. He directed the officials to carefully review previous incidents that occurred during past festivals and take preemptive steps to avoid any disturbances during the period between Navratri and Chhath Puja.

Increased Vigilance Around Religious Sites

The government has instructed authorities to ensure that no meat or liquor shops operate in the vicinity of religious places during the festival days. In an effort to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration, additional police forces will be deployed at key temples and religious sites, including Maa Vindhyavasini Dham in Mirzapur, Maa Shakumbhari Temple in Saharanpur, Vishalakshi Temple in Varanasi, and Maa Pateshwari Dham in Balrampur.

The safety and convenience of devotees will be prioritised, and cleanliness will be maintained in all temple premises, officials were quoted as saying.

The government said the decision is part of a broader effort to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during the festive season, with heightened security and increased focus on the protection of religious sentiments. The ban is expected to impact local businesses, but has garnered support from religious communities and devotees who consider this a vital step towards maintaining the sanctity of the festival.