Varanasi: For the first time, all meat, fish and poultry shops within the municipal limits of Varanasi would remain shut during the Chaitra Navratri festival that begins Sunday. A meeting of Varanasi Municipal Corporation ’s executive committee chaired by mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari took a decision to this effect on Thursday. Eid coincides with the Navratri festival this year and is likely to be celebrated on Monday, depending on the moon sighting.
Tiwari told TOI: “They (Muslims) should consider that their Hindu brothers find Navratri most sacred. So, at least for nine days, let it be.” Not stopping them for 360 days: Mayor The mayor has asked for strict compliance of the executive decision.
When Tiwari’s attention was drawn towards Eid falling during the same period, he told TOI, “Since the proposal of the closure of meat shops during Navratri was passed in the executive, it would be implemented strictly.” “They (Muslims) should consider that their Hindu brothers find Navratri the most sacred. So, at least for nine days, let it be.
Is anyone stopping them for 360 days?” he added. Tiwari said Varanasi is a “religious and cultural capital” with nearly 2 lakh pilgrims visiting the temple town daily. “A tradition should be followed, and it should not be seen as something forced,” he added.
At Thursday’s meeting, executive committee member Madan Mohan Dubey proposed the closure of shops selling meat, fish, and poultry during Navratri. The committee also ba.
