UP govt bans sale and purchase of meat on Kanwar yatra route

Ahead of the Kanwar yatra, which is the part of Hindu celebration of ‘Shravan maas’, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to prohibit the sale and purchase of open meat on the route of the Kanwar yatra in the state.

Notably, the traditional Kanwar Yatra will take place in the holy month of Shravan starting on July 4.

“Respecting the faith of the Kanwar devotees, there should be no sale and purchase of meat in the open anywhere on the Kanwar Yatra route. Cleanliness-sanitization should be maintained on the yatra route,” stated a release from the Uttar Pradesh government. Besides this, arrangements for drinking water would also be made along the route.

“In view of the scorching heat, arrangements for drinking water should also be made along the route. Wherever food camps are held, the team must check the quality of food items,” added the release.

On Tuesday, senior government-level officials and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the preparations being made by police commissioners, divisional commissioners, district magistrates, and police captains regarding strong law and order and facilities for the devotees in light of the upcoming festivals. Yogi Adityanath provided the necessary guidelines in the interest of the general public.

CM Yogi Adityanath said, “The holy month of Shravan is starting on 4 July. This year due to Adhikmas, the month of Shravan is two months in duration. The festivals of Shravani Shivratri, Nagpanchami and Rakshabandhan will be celebrated during this period. The traditional Kanwar Yatra will take place in the month of Shravan. Monday worship also has special importance during this period. Before this, Bakrid will be celebrated on June 29. It is clear that this time is sensitive in terms of law and order. That’s why we have to be constantly alert and careful.”

CM Yogi further also directed the officials to assure that all the traffic rules are followed and all necessary steps are taken to ensure the safety of people.

CM further said, “All necessary efforts should be made keeping in view the local needs so that every festival is celebrated with peace and harmony. Deploying divers on the basis of past experiences, CCTVs should be installed on the Kanwar Yatra route. The places for setting up of Kanwar camps should be marked in advance so that traffic is not obstructed.”

CM also directed the administration to provide necessary facilities to the general public during festivals. They are also been instructed to respect religious traditions/faiths, but do not allow things that go against tradition. Allow organizers to hold programmes, but ensure that everyone follows the rules and regulations. There should be no display of weapons in religious processions.

CM Yogi has directed the health emergency services to stay in alert mode. He said, “The rainy season has started, so there should be adequate availability of anti-venom and anti-rabies injections in all the districts. Health posts should be set up at various places on the Kanwar Yatra route. The Transport Department should ensure that only vehicles that are safe should run on the road.”

Last year in the month of Shravan, about one crore devotees got the benefit of Shrikashi Vishwanath darshan worship. About 6 to 7 lakh devotees visited the temple every Monday.