The Greater Bengaluru Authority has imposed a complete ban on sale of all kinds of meat including chicken and mutton and animal slaughter on Sunday, Feb. 15, on account of Maha Shivaratri.
The restriction will remain in force throughout the day within the civic body's jurisdiction, affecting slaughterhouses, meat shops, markets, and even online meat delivery services.
An official directive in this regard was issued by the Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry Department of GBA on Thursday, Feb. 12.
The civic body implements similar meat bans every year on select national and religious occasions including Mahavir Jayanti, Ram Navami, Gandhi Jayanti, and Martyrs' Day (Sarvodaya Din).
The Feb. 15 restriction is the second major “no-meat day” of the year for the Karnataka capital, following a similar ban observed on Jan. 30 for Sarvodaya Day.
While restaurants and bars are permitted to remain open, many establishments are expected to voluntarily modify menus to accommodate those observing the religious fast.
Apart from religious observances, the GBA also orders a complete ban on meat sale within a 13-km radius of Yelahanka Air Force Station for the Aero India Show held every year. The ban remains in place for a few days, and is enforced as meat waste attracts birds like kites and others, creating a risk of mid-air accidents.
Any violation of the order will result in penalties. Authorities have urged citizens and business owners to cooperate and comply with the order.
This year, Maha Shivaratri falls on Feb. 15. According to the Hindu calendar, the Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalgun begins at 5:04 pm on Feb. 15 and concludes at 5:34 pm on Feb. 16.
The festival holds deep religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva, who observe fasts, perform special prayers, and participate in night-long worship. Many devotees believe the day marks the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, making it one of the most sacred occasions in the Hindu calendar.
Alongside Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to maintain strict law and order during the upcoming festive period, including Holi, Maha Shivaratri, and Ramzan.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, Yogi Adityanath warned that any attempt to disturb communal harmony would not be tolerated and instructed authorities to take firm action against elements seeking to create unrest in the society.
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