Mahavir Jayanti: Meat Shops Shut in Hyderabad and Parts of Maharashtra

Meat Shops Shut in Hyderabad and Parts of Maharashtra: Both the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in Telangana and the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) in Maharashtra's Palghar district have announced a one-day closure of all meat shops and slaughterhouses.

In observance of Mahavir Jayanti, the Jain community bans the sale of mutton, chicken, beef, and pork.

In a notice, the GHMC commissioner instructed all district officers to cooperate.

This is the first ban since 2009 imposed by the Vasai Virar civic body.

It aligns with the Animal Welfare Board of India's nationwide call to shut down slaughterhouses on April 21 in honor of the Jain festival.

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Following a 2008 Supreme Court ruling that stated that temporary trade closures are not unreasonable restrictions or breaches of Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution, the board issued a directive to district collectors and municipal corporations.

On Mahavir Jayanti, liquor shops across the National Capital Region (NCR) will remain closed. Hotels, restaurants and bars in Delhi will also not be serving alcohol.

On Sunday, all liquor shops in Puducherry were also closed by the Excise Department.

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Mahavir Jayanti: How Is It Celebrated?

Thousands of Jains celebrate Mahavir Jayanti on this day, as a reminder of the timeless teachings of Mahavir. Traditionally, Mahavir Jayanti celebrations begin before dawn when devotees gather to pray and seek blessings at Jain temples.

A chariot-pulling idol of Mahavir leads a procession of Jains who sing religious hymns along the way during Mahavir Jayanti.

In addition, they give to charity, fast, pray, visit Jain temples, lead communal prayers, and practice meditation.

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