Yogi Adityanath led Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday (June 30) decided to ban the sale and purchase of meat in the open along the route of Kanwar Yatra, which is slated to begin from July 22.

According to news agency PTI, state chief minister Yogi Adityanath took the decision as a part of the preparations concerning the law-and-order arrangements during the festival.

Adityanath directed the concerned officials to remain ‘alert and cautious’ and gave necessary guidelines in view of the upcoming festival.

An official Uttar Pradesh government statement said, “The holy month of Shravan is starting from July 22. During this period, Shravani Shivratri, Nagpanchami and Rakshabandhan will be celebrated. Traditional Kanwar Yatra will be held. Besides, Jagannath Rath Yatra will be celebrated from July 7-9, Moharram on July 17-18, and Guru Purnima on July 21,” PTI reported.

The Uttar Pradesh CM asked to maintain coordination between the districts within the state and between the border districts and other states.

"Traditionally, music and dance have been a part of the Kanwar Yatra. Ensure that the sound of DJ, music etc., is as per the prescribed standards," he said.

Adityanath directed his officials that for "respecting the faith of devotees", there should be "no open sale and purchase of meat" anywhere on the Kanwar Yatra route.

"Cleanliness and sanitization should be maintained on the Yatra route. There should be a good arrangement of streetlights, " PTI quoted CM as saying.

Expressing concern over oversized Tazias during the Muharram procession, which can lead to accidents, Adityanath directed that such Tazias should not be included in the processions and only be kept where there is no dispute.