Meat shops, slaughterhouses in Bengaluru to remain closed February 15 for Mahashivratri

The Greater Bengaluru Authority on Thursday issued a notification prohibiting animal slaughter and the sale of meat in slaughterhouses under its jurisdiction on the occasion of Mahashivratri. The ban will be enforced on February 15 in Bengaluru, ANI reported.

Monitoring teams will be deployed across the city to ensure strict enforcement of the ban, and vendors violating the directive may face penalties, including possible suspension of licences under the GBA Act, Times Now reported.

Religious significance and similar measures

Maha Shivaratri, also known as the great night of Shiva, is regarded as auspicious for spiritual growth and symbolises victory over darkness and ignorance. The festival marks the divine marriage of Lord Shiva, considered the lord of destruction, with Goddess Parvati, associated with fertility, love and beauty, also known as Shakti.


According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva arrived at Goddess Parvati’s house on their wedding night accompanied by various gods, goddesses, animals and demons. The festival celebrating their sacred union is observed with devotion across India.

Similar meat bans in other cities

In Ayodhya, Food Commissioner Manik Chandra Singh announced a strict ban on non-vegetarian food in hotels and restaurants within Ayodhya Dham. The restriction covers slaughterhouses and includes online deliveries. Authorities have stated that platforms violating the directive will face penalties. Ayodhya Food Commissioner Manik Chandra Singh said, “However, online delivery was still taking place through various platforms. We are ensuring that in these areas, meat will neither be served nor delivered through online platforms. We will also ensure that delivery platforms tied up with hotels strictly follow the rules, failing which strict action will be taken against them...,” ANI reported.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation mandated closure of meat shops during Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti.

The Collector and District Magistrate of Koraput district in Odisha also imposed a one-day ban on the sale of non-vegetarian food items during the 77th Republic Day celebrations, ANI reported.