South Delhi Civic Body Orders Closure Of Meat Shops During Navaratri, Mayor Gives Reasons

The letter, written by Mukkesh Suryaan, Mayor of South Delhi Municipal Corporation, said during these nine days, devotees abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol and also certain spices.

New Delhi: The South Delhi Municipal Corporation has ordered the closure of meat shops during the nine-day period of the Navaratri festival. The Navratri festival, which began on April 2, ends on April 11.

The letter, written by Mukkesh Suryaan, Mayor of South Delhi Municipal Corporation, said during these nine days, devotees abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol and also certain spices, ANI reported.

"Keeping in view the sentiments and feelings of the general public necessary directions may be issued to the officers concerned to take necessary action for the closure of meat shops during the nine-day period of the Navaratri festival extending from April 2, 2022, to April 11, 2022," the letter said.

The mayor said the religious belief and sentiments of devotees are also affected when they come across meat shops or when they have to bear with the foul smell, ANI reported.

"During Navaratri days, people visit temples to pay their respect to the Goddess and to seek blessings for themselves and their families. In these days, people forgo even use of onion and garlic in their diets and the sight of meat being sold in open or near temples makes them uncomfortable. Their religious belief and sentiments are also affected when they come across meat shops or when they have to bear with the foul smell of the meat on their way to offer their daily prayers to the Goddess. Moreover, some meat shops dump waste in gutters or beside the road, which the stray dogs feed on," the letter read.

"Such events can be restricted if the meat shops are closed down during the period of the Navaratri festival in the area under the jurisdiction of South Delhi Municipal Corporation and the closing of meat shops near temples is also necessary to maintain the cleanliness in and around temples," it further said.

Addressing a press briefing, the mayor said the decision would be implemented from Tuesday.

"During Navratri, 99% of households in Delhi don't even use garlic and onion, so we've decided that no meat shops will be open in South MCD. Fine will be imposed on violators," ANI quoted Mukkesh Suryaan as saying.

"We will also issue licenses with this condition in the future. I have also written to the CM to withdraw their discount on alcohol during Navratri, and if possible, stop the sale of liquor for 9 days too," he said.