To maintain social distance and restrict slaughter of prohibited animals, the Yogi Adityanath government on Monday issued fresh directives ahead of Eid al-Adha, prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people at any place to celebrate the festival in Uttar Pradesh in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government also issued orders against animal sacrifice at public places in the state.
Chairing a meeting with senior officials to review the COVID-19 situation in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed them to make all necessary arrangements in view of the festival, an official spokesperson said here.
In view of COVID-19, not more than 50 people should gather at any place at a given time for any event related to Eid al-Adha, the official said, adding that it should also be ensured that cow, camel or any other banned animal was not sacrificed anywhere.
He said only designated places or private premises should be used for animal sacrifices and special care should be taken for cleanliness. The festival is scheduled to be celebrated on July 21.
Earlier, the yearly Kanwar yatra was cancelled in Uttar Pradesh in view of the COVID-19 situation. Organisers of the yatra announced their decision to cancel the annual event this year too in the wake of the looming threat of a third wave of the pandemic.
The Supreme Court had on Friday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to apprise it by July 19 on whether it would reconsider its decision to hold a "symbolic" Kanwar yatra in the state, saying the right to life was paramount.