CM Yogi Adityanath Directs Special Arrangements for Chaitra Navratri
Lucknow: Ahead of Chaitra Ram Navami on April 6, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered the 24-hour Akhand Paath (uninterrupted recital) of the Ramcharitmanas across all districts. The state government has also imposed a ban on meat sales on Ram Navami and restricted the sale of meat within a 500-metre radius of religious places during the entire Chaitra Navratri festival.
Ramcharitmanas Recital and Grand Surya Tilak in Ayodhya
During a high-level meeting with senior officials, CM Adityanath emphasized that the Akhand Paath will commence on April 5 and conclude at noon on April 6 at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. The event will culminate with the Surya Tilak of Ram Lalla, a grand ceremonial tradition drawing thousands of devotees from across India.
Ban on Meat Sales and Illegal Slaughterhouses
To maintain religious sanctity, the government has issued a strict ban on meat shops on April 6 and prohibited meat sales near temples during the nine-day festival. Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat directed District Magistrates, Police Commissioners, and Municipal Commissioners to enforce this rule strictly.
Authorities have been instructed to close illegal slaughterhouses and prevent unauthorized meat sales, referring to past orders from 2014 and 2017 that restrict such activities near places of worship. District-level committees have been formed to oversee the implementation, comprising officials from the police, Pollution Control Board, animal husbandry, transport, labour, health, and food safety departments.
Major Temples Expect Large Crowds, Special Arrangements in Place
Thousands of devotees are expected to visit major Shaktipeeths and Devi temples, including:
- Devipatan Temple (Balrampur)
- Shakumbhari Devi Temple (Saharanpur)
- Vindhyavasini Devi Dham (Mirzapur)
CM Yogi Adityanath has directed local authorities to ensure uninterrupted power supply during Chaitra Navratri and instructed the Urban and Rural Development Departments to maintain cleanliness campaigns near religious sites. Additional sanitation workers will be deployed to keep temple premises clean.
Devotee Safety and Crowd Management Plan
With lakhs of devotees expected in Ayodhya, the Chief Minister has prioritized safety measures. The police department has been tasked with implementing a crowd management plan, including increased foot patrolling and better security arrangements.
Additionally, essential facilities such as drinking water stalls, shaded waiting areas, and jute matting will be provided at key temple sites to prevent discomfort for devotees standing in long queues.
Statewide Compliance and Legal Directives
Under the UP Municipal Corporation Act, 1959, and Food Safety Acts of 2006 & 2011, authorities will take strict action against anyone violating the meat sale ban. Officials have been instructed to ensure full compliance at the district level.
The state government’s proactive steps aim to uphold religious traditions, ensure the comfort of devotees, and maintain order during Chaitra Navratri and Ram Navami celebrations.
