Delhi civic body orders meat shop closures near temples during Navratri

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has issued strict instructions to seal all meat and non-vegetarian food establishments operating near temples and religious sites during the Navratri festival season. The order reflects traditional customs observed during the festival, which is celebrated across much of India with fasting and vegetarian practices.

Beyond the meat shop closures, MCD officials have launched comprehensive sanitation drives at Ram Lila performance grounds and major places of worship. These special cleanliness operations are designed to ensure hygienic conditions during the festival period, when footfall at religious venues typically increases substantially.

The directive forms part of the corporation's broader preparations for the nine-day celebration, underscoring efforts to balance public health standards with cultural observances. Municipal authorities have mobilized sanitation teams to maintain standards at key festival venues across the capital.

Navratri celebrations, which draw millions of devotees, involve various religious rituals and cultural performances. The MCD's coordinated approach seeks to provide a clean and religiously appropriate environment for worshippers while maintaining civic infrastructure and public health protocols during the festival period.