UP CM Yogi Adityanath has announced a ban on the sale of meat and liquor in the holy city of Mathura in a no-holds-barred speech at the Krishnotsav program on the occasion of Janmashtami. CM Yogi was addressing people gathered at the Ramlila grounds after he had offered prayers at Mathura’s Krishna Janmashtan Mandir.

During the course of his speech, he announced the decision to impose a total ban on selling liquor and meat in Mathura while suggesting that those currently selling the same may switch to selling milk. “The officers concerned are directed to make plans for the ban as well as for the engagement of people involved in such activities in some other trade,” CM Yogi said.

CM Yogi opined that by taking to selling milk instead of meat and liquor, traders should revive Mathura’s glory as the city was known for its huge quantity of animal milk. CM Yogi Adityanath also said that efforts would be made for the development of Brij Bhumi and that his government was looking to blend modern technology with the cultural and spiritual heritage to develop the region.

The CM was all praises for PM Modi who he stated had given a new direction to the country while adding that places of worship and faith that had thus far been neglected are now being revived. He also took a dig at those who were now making a beeline to lay claim to Bhagwan Prabhu Sri Ram and Bhagwan Krishna but had earlier shied away from their Hindu identity as they were afraid of being tagged as communal.

“Those who were afraid to go to temples earlier, for fear of being labeled as communal, are now saying Bhagwan Ram is mine, Krishna is also mine,” said CM Yogi Adityanath.

Reiterating how politicians kept away from celebrating Hindu festivals, CM Yogi opined “Earlier, there were restrictions placed on the festivals celebrated by Hindus but now there are now such strictures. Earlier no chief ministers, politicians, MLAs came to celebrate Hindu festivals. If you leave out BJP leaders, the rest of the politicians refrained from visiting programs on Hindu festivals. Every festival should be celebrated according to the rituals and customs but unfortunately, it wasn’t the case”.

He also highlighted how restrictions were placed on the celebration of Hindu festivals. CM Yogi pointed out that earlier people were afraid to participate in Hindu festivities and this abandonment went on for a long time. Not only did people not take part in the festive celebrations but didn’t participate in the customs and rituals. Hindus had to face several restrictions such as not being allowed to celebrate certain festivals or being denied water, electricity, and having time restrictions imposed on celebrating the festivals.

CM Yogi pointed out that now Hindus can celebrate their festivals with complete freedom and as per the centuries-old customs and traditions. He stated, “This is the change. By protecting and preserving our cultural and religious heritage, we are now ushering in the world of technology-driven development”.

The three-day Krishnotsav festival that began on Sunday showcases the birth of Bhagwan Krishna and Mathura’s rich culture and heritage.

(Featured Image Source: Zee News)

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