Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to implement strict measures to maintain peace, security, and social harmony during the upcoming celebrations of Ganga Dussehra, Bakrid, and the Jagannath Rath Yatra. In a high-level law and order review meeting, the CM emphasised that while religious faith must be respected, no new traditions should be allowed to take root that could disturb public order.
Regarding Bakrid, the Chief Minister made it absolutely clear that the sacrifice of prohibited animals is completely banned and should be strictly enforced by the UP authorities. He said, “There must be no leniency on this issue. The law must be upheld with firmness and fairness.” The CM also instructed that sacrificial practices must be carried out only at pre-designated and approved locations, no sacrifice should be allowed at unapproved sites.
#UPCM @myogiadityanath ने इस माह गंगा दशहरा, बकरीद व जगन्नाथ रथ यात्रा को लेकर कड़े सुरक्षा प्रबंध सुनिश्चित करने के निर्देश दिए हैं।
मुख्यमंत्री जी ने कहा कि बकरीद पर प्रतिबंधित पशुओं की कुर्बानी पर सख्ती से रोक लगाई जाए। शरारती तत्वों पर कड़ी नजर रखी जाए।… pic.twitter.com/sNM9FHf2Zl
— CM Office, GoUP (@CMOfficeUP) June 3, 2025
Further, he called for tight surveillance to curb the activities of mischief-makers who may attempt to exploit the occasion to incite tensions. Local administrations have been asked to remain extra vigilant and ensure that traditional norms are followed, not replaced with provocative or unlawful acts.
Yogi Adityanath has also instructed that Namaz should be offered only at traditional and designated locations, not on roads or public places. He reiterated, “Faith must be honored, but public order and common convenience cannot be compromised. No one should obstruct roads for religious activities.”
On the other hand, turning attention to Ganga Dussehra, the UP Chief Minister Yogi directed officials to ensure that all ghats are clean and safe for devotees. On June 4, a state-wide cleanliness drive is to be organised at key riverbanks, and on June 5, a grand Ganga Aarti will be held in the evening.
To ensure public safety, arrangements will be made for designated bathing spots, with the deployment of divers, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) flood units, and teams from NDRF and SDRF at vulnerable locations.
Yogi Adityanath stressed that public interest is supreme, and officers must act with complete alertness and sensitivity. “Strict law enforcement, community participation, and inter-departmental coordination will be the key to a peaceful and harmonious festive season,” he added. Additionally, the CM ordered that every district must make proper arrangements for waste disposal after the Bakrid sacrifices. Cleanliness and hygiene should be ensured through systematic planning.
The UP government’s approach aims to strike a careful balance between protecting religious sentiments and maintaining public discipline. By asserting that “new traditions” should not be allowed to emerge, the Chief Minister sent a clear message: festivals should unite society, not become a ground for confrontation or lawlessness.
These bold instructions by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath show how the state government is committed to maintaining peace, harmony, and public safety during upcoming festivals. By balancing religious sentiments with law and environmental care, the Yogi administration aims to ensure that celebrations remain respectful, secure, and within the framework of established traditions and regulations.
