The Varanasi Municipal Corporation of Uttar Pradesh has issued an order requiring all meat and poultry shops on the Kanwar Yatra route to remain closed for the month of Saawan. This directive follows the controversial directive from state governments in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, asking shop owners along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their names and phone numbers.



The decision was made during an executive committee meeting chaired by Mayor Sandeep Srivastava, PTI quoted the Public Relations Officer of the Varanasi Municipal Corporation as saying.


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The Municipal Commissioner has directed the relevant officials to ensure that these shops on the Kanwar routes remain closed throughout the month of Sawan to avoid any inconvenience or issues for the Kanwariyas.





He also mentioned that a survey will be conducted on the Kanwariyas' routes to ensure that meat and poultry shops along these paths are closed as soon as possible.


"In the context of the upcoming Sawan Shivratri festival, a final phase meeting was held today. Officers from the neighbouring districts of Delhi were also invited and participated in this inter-departmental meeting. All preparations have been completed successfully, and we are confident that the festival of Shravan Shivratri will be conducted smoothly. All aspects, including security, cleanliness, and other necessary arrangements, were discussed in the inter-departmental meeting," ASP Manish Kumar Mishra told ANI.


Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police announced on Saturday that all preparations for the Shravan Shivratri festival have been completed.


Shravan Shivratri


Shravan Shivratri is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated entirely to Lord Shiva. Throughout the auspicious month of Saawan, devotees across the country worship Lord Shiva.


This month is renowned for the Kanwar Yatra, during which devotees collect Ganga Jal to offer to Lord Shiva on the day of Shivratri. Shravan Shivratri takes place annually in either July or August.