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Bengaluru and Hyderabad civic bodies have announced a ban on animal slaughter and meat sales on January 30 in observance of Martyrs’ Day, honouring Mahatma Gandhi.
Meat shops closed in Hyderabad, Bengaluru (Representative photo/PTI)
The civic bodies of Bengaluru and Hyderabad have announced a ban on animal slaughter and meat sales on Thursday, January 30, in observance of Sarvodaya Day, also known as Martyrs’ Day.
This day marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and honours those who sacrificed their lives for the nation, while also reflecting on Gandhi’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle.
The ban will be enforced across all areas under the jurisdiction of the respective civic authorities in both cities.
All sheep, goat, and cattle slaughterhouses with retail meat and beef shops will remain closed within the limits of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporate (GHMC) on Thursday.
GHMC Commissioner K Ilambarithi issued a directive under Section 533(b) of the GHMC Act 1955, urging police commissioners to issue instructions to ensure the implementation of the order.
On the other hand, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has also issued an order to enforce the meat ban across all locations under the civic body’s limit. As per the BBMP data, the city has nearly 3,000 licensed meat shops and three authorised slaughterhouses; the figures aren’t likely to match the ground reality as several illegal shops continue to function under the radar.
It is worth mentioning that the civic bodies have been traditionally prohibiting animal slaughter and the sale of meat every year on Martyr’s Day with strict instructions.
Meanwhile, a ‘dry day’ will be observed across Maharashtra on January 30 with a ban on the sale of alcohol in liquor stores, restaurants, pubs and bars.
About Martyrs’ Day
Martyrs’ Day or Sarvodaya Day is observed annually on January 30, coinciding with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The day holds historical significance as it marks the tragic day when Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948 on his way to a prayer meeting at Birla Bhawan in Delhi. While Martyrs’ Day primarily commemorates Gandhi’s death, it also honours the sacrifices of all those who laid their lives for the country’s freedom.
While tributes have been pouring in to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his homage.
“Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tributes to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices,” he tweeted on Thursday.
Tributes to Pujya Bapu on his Punya Tithi. His ideals motivate us to build a developed India. I also pay tributes to all those martyred for our nation and recall their service as well as sacrifices.— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 30, 2025
The government also organises various events to mark the occasion, including prayer meetings at Gandhi’s memorial, followed by speeches and tributes to the martyrs.
