Ensure closure of meat shops during Navratri: SDMC Mayor to Commissioner
Mayor of South Delhi Municipal Corporation Mukesh Suryan today wrote a letter to Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti for the closure of meat shops during the 9-day period of Navratri festival.
The Mayor, in his letter, wrote, Navratri festival is being celebrated from April 2, 2022 to April 11. “During the auspicious period of Navratri, devotees of Goddess Durga observe fast for nine days with a strict vegetarian diet and abstaining from use of non-veg food items, alcohol and certain spices.”
The letter has further mentioned that during these days people visit temples to pay their respect to Goddess and to seek blessings for themselves and their families.
“During this period, people forgo even use of onions and garlic in their diet and the sight of meat being sold in open or near temples make them uncomfortable. Their religious belief and sentiments are also affected when they come across meat shops or when they have to bear with the foul smell of the meat on their way to offer their daily prayers,” he wrote.
Moreover, some meat shops dump waste in gutters or beside the road, which the stray dogs feed on, he wrote.
“It is not only hygienic but also an appalling sight for passersby. Such events can be restricted if the meat shops are closed down during the period of Navratri festival in the area under the jurisdiction of SDMC and the closing of meat shops near temples is also necessary to maintain the cleanliness in and around the temples.”
The Mayor, through the letter, said in view of the sentiments and feelings of the general public necessary directions may be issued to the officers concerned to take necessary action for the closure of meat shops during the nine-day period of the Navratri festival.
