Meat, Fish, and Egg Sales Banned in Bhopal and Harpur During Navratri Festival

Restrictions on Non-Vegetarian Food During Navratri

Officials in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, announced on Monday a prohibition on the sale of meat, fish, and eggs throughout the Hindu festival of Navratri, which commenced on the same day and will conclude on October 2.

According to Bhopal's Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Divya Patel, the ban is effective from September 22 until October 2, aligning with the festival dedicated to the goddess Durga.

In Harpur, Uttar Pradesh, local police have mandated that hotels offering non-vegetarian dishes and meat vendors remain closed until October 2. A formal notice was issued to the relevant establishments.

Circle Officer Varun Mishra stated that it is customary for meat shops and non-vegetarian restaurants to close during Navratri, and the police will monitor compliance with this directive.

This measure aims to honor the religious beliefs and traditions of the festival's participants, Mishra explained.

Additionally, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, a Hindutva organization, has approached the deputy commissioner in Gurugram, Haryana, requesting that all meat and fish vendors cease operations during Navratri. They argue that such establishments near places of worship and schools can offend devotees and disrupt community peace.

The organization also raised concerns about food safety and hygiene violations at these shops, which they believe pose health risks to the public.

Surendra Tanwar, a leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, emphasized the need for the administration to honor both religious and public sentiments by enforcing a ban on meat and fish sales while ensuring hygiene standards are upheld.