Koraput District Bans Sale of Non-Vegetarian Items on Republic Day

Bhubaneswar: The Koraput district administration has ordered a complete prohibition on the sale of non-vegetarian items across the district on January 26, 2026, coinciding with the 77th Republic Day celebrations.

The directive, issued by Collector and District Magistrate Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, has been communicated to all tehsildars, block development officers (BDOs), and executive officers. The order explicitly bans the sale of meat, chicken, fish, eggs, and other non-vegetarian food items throughout the day.

District officials have been instructed to strictly enforce the restriction within their respective jurisdictions to ensure compliance. While the administration stated that the move is intended to maintain the solemnity and dignity of the Republic Day celebrations, no detailed explanation has been provided in the public order.

The blanket ban has drawn attention and evoked mixed reactions, as similar temporary restrictions are usually imposed only in limited contexts during national observances. In this case, the prohibition primarily targets the sale of non-vegetarian items in markets, shops, and other commercial outlets.

However, it remains unclear whether the order extends to hotels, restaurants, eateries, or the private consumption of non-vegetarian food prepared at home, as enforcement guidelines for hospitality establishments have not been clearly specified in available reports.