Bengaluru Meat Ban: City Enforces One-Day Sale Restriction on February 15; HC Allows Puja at Aland Dargah

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) on Thursday announced a complete ban on animal slaughter and sale of meat across the city on February 15, in observance of Mahashivratri.

According to the Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, the decision has been taken as Mahashivratri falls on Sunday, February 15. The order states that all slaughterhouses must remain closed and meat shops are prohibited from operating on the day.

Authorities have said the restriction is being enforced to maintain religious sentiments during the festival.

Mahashivratri 2026: Date and Significance

Mahashivratri will be celebrated on February 15 this year. As per the Hindu calendar, the Chaturdashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalgun begins at 5:04 pm on February 15 and ends at 5:34 pm on February 16.

Devotees observe fasts and perform special pujas to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Religious belief holds that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married on this day.

Meat Sale Ban in Uttarakhand

Similar restrictions have been imposed in Uttarakhand, where meat sale has been banned on Mahashivratri across four districts - Rudraprayag, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar and Uttarkashi.

Local authorities in these districts have directed meat shops to remain closed for the festival.

High Court Allows Puja at Aland Dargah

In a separate development, the Karnataka High Court has permitted Hindu devotees to perform Mahashivratri puja at the Raghav Chaitanya Shivalinga located inside the Ladle Mashak Dargah in Aland town of Kalaburagi district.

The court has imposed strict conditions and limited the number of devotees allowed to perform rituals at the site.

Last year, in February 2025, the High Court allowed 15 members of the Hindu community to conduct Shivaratri puja at the same location under heavy police security. The event concluded peacefully.

Citing the successful implementation of last year's order, the court has issued similar directions this year, directing authorities to ensure tight security and communal harmony.

Supreme Court Declines to Intervene

The Dargah Committee approached the Supreme Court seeking to restrain the holding of puja inside the premises. However, a bench led by the Chief Justice refused to entertain the plea.

Background of the Dispute

The Ladle Mashak Dargah is associated with 14th-century Sufi saint Hazrat Sheikh Alauddin Ansari, popularly known as Ladle Mashaikh. The same premises are also linked to 15th-century Hindu saint Raghav Chaitanya, whose samadhi is believed to be located there.

A structure referred to as the Raghav Chaitanya Shivalinga exists within the complex. Historically, followers of both communities visited the site. However, tensions escalated in 2022 over worship rights, particularly after reports of alleged desecration of the Shivalinga, which led to unrest in the area.

Authorities have stated that adequate security arrangements will be in place on February 15 to ensure peaceful observance of Mahashivratri across the city and at the disputed site.