KFC outlet closed in Ghaziabad during Sawan after Hindu Raksha Dal protests non-veg sale

A KFC outlet in Ghaziabad was shut after members of the Hindu Raksha Dal objected to the sale of non‑vegetarian food during the holy month of Sawan (Shravan). They said serving meat at this time hurts the religious feelings of Lord Shiva’s devotees, especially those taking part in the Kanwar Yatra. The Kanwar Yatra is the annual pilgrimage in which large numbers of devotees (called Kanwariyas) walk long distances to collect holy Ganga water and offer it at Shiva temples. The protestors warned that their demonstrations would grow stronger if meat sales continued through the month. Staff inside the outlet looked disturbed and were seen making phone calls as the situation developed. Police were called to manage the crowd and calm tensions. After officers intervened, the situation became normal and the outlet displayed a notice saying only vegetarian food would be served during Sawan. Police have begun an inquiry and are working to identify the people who led or actively joined the disruption. Authorities are trying to balance respect for religious feelings with the need to maintain law and order and protect business operations.

The incident reflects the heightened emotions that often arise during major religious periods when community expectations and commercial practices can clash. Officials will likely monitor similar establishments to prevent repeat incidents, while also reminding groups that any protest must remain peaceful and within the law. Local residents have been advised to stay patient and avoid crowding the area so that normal business and traffic can resume. The event also highlights how quickly a local dispute can spread online through videos, drawing wider attention and prompting faster administrative action. In this context, the outlet’s decision to switch temporarily to a vegetarian‑only menu is meant to lower tensions and show sensitivity to devotees’ sentiments. It also gives police time to complete their investigation and decide whether any legal steps are needed against specific individuals.

Traffic measures for pilgrims

This year’s Kanwar Yatra began on June 10 and has drawn very large crowds, with lakhs of pilgrims traveling mainly on foot. To manage the flow and reduce accidents, the Uttar Pradesh Traffic Police have reserved one lane of National Highway 34 (earlier known as NH‑58) exclusively for Kanwariyas passing through high‑density stretches such as those in and around Ghaziabad. The goal is to separate slow‑moving foot pilgrims from regular vehicular traffic, cutting the risk of collisions and easing congestion. Authorities have also increased security deployment, set up temporary medical and rest points, and coordinated with local civic bodies for drinking water, sanitation, and night lighting. These arrangements aim to ensure that the spiritual journey proceeds safely despite the surge in numbers. Residents and motorists have been urged to cooperate by planning routes in advance, respecting the dedicated lane, and avoiding unnecessary honking near pilgrim groups. Shopkeepers along the route have been encouraged to keep pathways clear so walking devotees are not forced into active traffic lanes. Police are using both ground patrols and traffic control rooms to monitor movement patterns in real time; this allows quick adjustments, such as diversions or temporary signal changes, whenever bottlenecks appear.

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Public announcements and signboards remind drivers about speed limits and the presence of barefoot pilgrims. Authorities stress that shared patience is essential during Sawan because the pilgrimage holds deep emotional and religious value for participants, many of whom travel from distant states. The combined effect of lane reservation, increased manpower, and public awareness efforts is intended to maintain calm, prevent confrontations like the one at the KFC outlet, and allow both devotional activities and daily urban life to proceed with minimal friction. Officials continue to watch for crowd surges, weather shifts, or isolated protests that could disrupt order, and they say further measures will be introduced if required to preserve safety and mutual respect.