Meat shops to stay shut during Navratri, says South Delhi Mayor; urges CM Kejriwal to close liquor outlets

This is the first time when a civic body has asked for the closure of meat shops under its jurisdiction during Navratri which is being observed from April 2-11.

New Delhi: South Delhi Municipal Corporation Mayor on Monday (April 4, 2022) said that the meat shops will not be allowed to open from Tuesday during Navratri till April 11 and urged Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to issue orders to shut liquor shops during the nine-day festival.

This is the first time when the civic body has asked for the closure of meat shops under its jurisdiction during Navratri which is being observed from April 2-11.

In a letter to SDMC Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti, Mayor Mukesh Suryan said "religious beliefs and sentiments of devotees are affected" when they come across meat shops or have to bear the foul smell of meat on their way to offer daily prayers to goddess Durga during Navratri.

He said that during the period of Navratri, devotees of goddess Durga observe fast for nine days with a strict vegetarian diet as well as abstain from the use of non-vegetarian food items, alcohol and also certain spices.

Keeping in view the sentiments of the public, necessary directions may be issued to officers concerned to take action for the closure of meat shops during the 9-day period of Navratri festival from 2nd April to 11th April:Mukkesh Suryaan, Mayor, South Delhi Municipal Corporation pic.twitter.com/VbeMQCie5q