The Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC), on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri 2025, asked meat and fish shop owners to close their stores during the festival. Deputy Chairman of the Municipal Corporation Narsingh Das Baba said that all meat and fish shops in the Nagar Nigam Varanasi area would remain closed during Navratri. The decision was unanimously passed in the city civic body's executive meeting.
The order has been issued keeping in mind the traditions of the religious city of Kashi and the sentiments of the devotees. The civic has made it clear that if any shopkeeper violates this order, strict legal action will be taken against him and a case can also be registered for violation the order.
"As per the decision taken by the executive board, we have decided that the meat shops in the municipal area will remain closed during the Navratri, and we are working to implement that. At first, we will run a campaign to make people aware of this, and we have our vans that will roam around to see if someone is opening such shops and we will take action accordingly," said Nagar Nigam Varanasi Municipal Commissioner Akshat Verma.
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Kashi is considered to be the center of Sanatan culture, where Goddess Durga is worshiped with great pomp during Navratri. In such a situation, this order is being described as a decision taken in respect of the religious sentiments of the devotees.
The festival of Chaitra Navratri 2025 to begin on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The first day kicks off with devotees across the country and abroad participating in Navratri Ghatasthapana, also known as Navratri Kalash Sthapana (placing the sacred pot).