Tensions simmered in Ghaziabad’s Vasundhara locality as members of the Hindu Raksha Dal staged a protest outside non-vegetarian restaurants, demanding a ban on meat sales along the Kanwar Yatra route during the Hindu holy month of Sawan. Demonstrators gathered outside outlets such as KFC and the popular eatery Nazir, insisting that all meat-serving establishments near the yatra path be shut temporarily in deference to religious sentiments.
The protest, which took place earlier this week, saw dozens of activists chanting “Jai Shri Ram” and waving saffron flags. Eyewitnesses reported that the KFC outlet was forced to shut down for a period due to the pressure from the demonstrators. Videos of the protest circulating on social media show participants expressing their anger over the continued operation of meat shops during what they described as a deeply sacred time for Hindus.
Sawan, a month-long period of religious observance dedicated to Lord Shiva, sees millions of Kanwar Yatra pilgrims—known as Kanwariyas—undertake long journeys on foot to collect holy water from the Ganga River and offer it at Shiva temples. Most Kanwariyas follow a strict vegetarian diet during this time and often fast. Protesters argued that the presence of meat shops along their route was disrespectful and offensive to their faith.
“When lakhs of devotees are observing fasts and following a pure vegetarian lifestyle, the sight and smell of meat becomes distressing,” one Hindu Raksha Dal member told reporters. “It’s not about opposing anyone’s business, but about maintaining the sanctity of this religious period.”
The group submitted a written request to the local administration, calling for the closure of all non-vegetarian restaurants and shops situated near Kanwar routes for the entirety of the Sawan month. Protesters emphasized that their demand was not an attack on livelihood but a plea for religious sensitivity.
So far, the Ghaziabad district administration has not issued an official statement regarding the protest or the group’s demands. There has also been no comment from the restaurants affected by the demonstration.
As the Sawan festivities continue and more pilgrims pass through the area, the atmosphere remains tense. Hindu Raksha Dal members have warned that if authorities fail to act on their request, the protests will intensify in the coming days.
