Chandigarh Municipality Issues Ban Ahead of Religious Festival
Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has issued an official order banning the sale of meat and operation of slaughterhouses across the city on February 15, 2026, in observance of the sacred Hindu festival Mahashivratri. The decision comes as part of efforts to uphold the sanctity and cultural sentiments associated with this important religious occasion.
Order Details and Compliance Directive
The prohibition applies to all licensed meat shops, butcheries, mobile vendors, and slaughterhouses operating within the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh. According to the directive issued by MC Commissioner Amit Kumar, all related stakeholders must ensure strict compliance with the ban throughout the day.
In an official public notice, authorities clarified that failure to comply with the ban will result in immediate legal action. Municipal health officials have circulated copies of the order to relevant departments to ensure coordinated enforcement.
Enforcement and Public Sentiment
The Municipal Corporation has stated its intention to deploy special teams to conduct spot inspections across different sectors of the city, ensuring that the order is enforced effectively. Notices also emphasized the importance of maintaining public decency and respect for religious traditions during Mahashivratri.
This step reflects a growing trend in civic administrations across North India to pause certain commercial activities during major religious festivals, balancing rights of trade with respect for local religious sentiment.
What Residents Should Know
-
All meat-related businesses — including mobile vendors — must remain closed on February 15, 2026.
-
Violators may face legal penalties and enforcement actions.
-
Special monitoring teams will operate throughout the city to ensure compliance.
