Varanasi Municipal Body Orders Closure of 96 Meat Shops on Kanwar Yatra Route From Monday

Varanasi: Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC), on Sunday, ordered the closure of meat shops on the Kanwar Yatra during the holy month of Sawan. 

VMC Public Relations Officer (PRO) Sandeep Srivastava said, “Meat shops on all Kanwar Yatra routes under the Varanasi Municipal Corporation limits will remain closed in the month of Sawan so that Kanwariyas do not have to face any kind of difficulties.” 

Officials said that instructions in this regard have been issued to the officials concerned by the municipal body. 

The decision was taken in an executive meeting of the corporation chaired by Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari on July 19, Srivastava said. 

According to VMC officials, there are 96 meat shops on the Kanwar Yatra route, which will remain closed during 'Savan' month. 

PRO Srivastava also said, “The Municipal Commissioner has given instructions to all the officials concerned regarding this order.” 

He said a survey was conducted on the several routes taken by Kanwariyas, and instructions were issued accordingly for the closure of all meat shops on these routes throughout 'Sawan'. 

This year, the 'Sawan' month spans from July 22 to August 19. A large number of devotees travel from various places with 'kanwars' to perform 'jalabhishek' of Lord Shiva during this period.

(with PTI inputs)