Delhi to Close Meat Shops During Kanwar Yatra for Devotees' Safety

From July 11 to July 23, meat shops in Delhi will be closed in observance of the Kanwar Yatra. This announcement was made by Kapil Mishra, a minister and leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party. However, he did not clarify whether this ban would apply solely to meat shops located along the pilgrimage route. Mishra informed reporters that many of these meat shops are illegal and should not be operating according to the law. Nonetheless, they will be specifically closed during the Kanwar Yatra. He emphasized that there is no need for a request regarding this matter, as these illegal establishments will not be allowed to operate during the pilgrimage.

 

In a related development, BJP MLA Tarvinder Singh Marwah from Jungpura has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting the temporary closure of all liquor and meat shops along the Kanwar Yatra route in Delhi. The MLA stated that such a temporary ban would honor the sanctity of the pilgrimage and prevent any potential unpleasant incidents. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to ensure that no meat is sold along the pilgrimage route in his state. On June 26, the government also mandated that all eateries along the pilgrimage route display the names of their owners.

 

During the sacred month of Sawan in the Hindu calendar, devotees undertake the Kanwar Yatra to collect holy water from sacred rivers to offer to Lord Shiva at various temples. This year, the Kanwar Yatra is set to commence on July 11. Marwah, a member of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, stated that the Shri Guru Singh Sabha is a religious organization that respects all faiths. In his letter, he appealed for the temporary closure of meat and liquor shops along the designated pilgrimage routes to maintain its sanctity and avoid any unfortunate incidents.