Delhi’s Culture and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra on Wednesday announced that all meat shops located along the Kanwar Yatra route in the city will remain closed during the religious pilgrimage, which is set to take place from July 11 to 25 during the holy month of Shravan. He stated that most of these establishments are operating illegally and would not be permitted to open during the event.
Speaking during an inspection of the Kanwar Yatra route, Mishra said, “It is a decision of the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) that the meat shops will remain closed. Most of them are illegal and should not exist in the first place. No such shop will be allowed to open, and there will be no exemption.”
Emphasising the importance of maintaining religious sanctity and order, he added, “It will be specially ensured that no such unwanted thing happens anywhere.” The Kanwar Yatra is a major annual pilgrimage during which millions of devotees, known as Kanwariyas, carry sacred water from rivers and other holy water bodies to offer at prominent Shiva temples. Many undertake the journey barefoot, covering long distances across states including Delhi.
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Mishra, accompanied by several BJP MLAs including Ajay Mahawar, Tilak Ram Gupta, Anil Sharma, Pradyumn Rajpoot, and Sanjay Goel, reviewed preparations and inspected routes and Kanwar camps from Apsara Border to Karol Bagh. “Every year, around 2.5 to 3 crore Kanwariyas pass through Delhi. Our government is committed to providing them with all necessary facilities—ranging from Kanwar camps to grand welcome gates at various entry points, and even showering flower petals on the devotees,” Mishra said.
He also highlighted various support measures extended by the Delhi government. “We have already announced financial assistance for Kanwar Samitis through direct benefit transfer. In addition, each camp will receive up to 1,200 units of electricity free of cost,” he noted.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the government has established a single-window system to streamline and support the work of Kanwar Samitis in organising the event. The Delhi government’s coordinated efforts aim to ensure smooth and respectful passage for Kanwariyas while maintaining law and order during the sacred procession.
Also Read: Delhi to shut meat shops during Kanwar Yatra, says govt
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