No public animal sacrifice, no road blockades: Yogi Adityanath issues Bakrid directives across Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials across the state to enforce strict rules ahead of Bakerid, stating that animal sacrifice in public places and road blockades for namaz would not be allowed under any circumstances.

The directions were issued during a high-level law-and-order review meeting conducted via video conference with district officials and police authorities. The government said sacrifices would only be permitted at designated locations and warned against encouraging any “new traditions” during the festival.

The chief minister also reiterated that prohibited animals cannot be sacrificed and instructed authorities to maintain close surveillance in sensitive districts.

The Uttar Pradesh government further stated that Eid prayers should be offered only at traditional prayer locations and mosques, with no permission to be granted for prayers on roads or public pathways.

Adityanath had earlier also remarked that if there was a shortage of space, prayers could be conducted in shifts rather than spilling onto roads.

Officials have additionally been instructed to ensure that religious gatherings do not disrupt public movement or create law-and-order concerns during the festival period.

The state government has ordered heightened vigilance across Uttar Pradesh ahead of Bakerid celebrations, including increased patrolling and monitoring of sensitive areas. District administrations were also asked to review previous incidents linked to communal tensions or public disorder.

Authorities have been directed to take action against illegal slaughterhouses and ensure proper disposal of animal waste to prevent hygiene issues in urban areas.

The directives are consistent with policies followed by the Uttar Pradesh government in previous years, when similar restrictions were imposed during Bakrid celebrations regarding public sacrifice and use of roads for prayers.

Restrictions around Bakrid practices in Uttar Pradesh have often drawn political attention because they intersect with broader debates around public space, religious expression and law-and-order enforcement.

Since coming to power in 2017, the Yogi Adityanath government has repeatedly emphasised stricter regulation of illegal slaughterhouses, cattle smuggling and religious gatherings in public spaces.

Supporters of the measures argue they are necessary for maintaining civic order and preventing communal tensions, while critics have previously questioned whether such restrictions disproportionately affect one community.

The state government, however, has maintained that the rules are aimed at ensuring peaceful celebrations and uniform enforcement of law and order during major festivals.

Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, is expected to be observed on May 28 across India.