IAF Air Show in Varanasi Triggers Temporary Ban on Meat, Fish Sales
What Happened
Authorities in Namo Ghat, Varanasi, have ordered the closure of meat, fish and poultry shops and banned slaughter activities within a 20-30 km radius of the venue ahead of the Aerial Display-2026 by the Indian Air Force. The restrictions will begin on October 19 and continue until the event concludes, with the aim of reducing bird activity and preventing bird strikes during the aerial displays.
Key Takeaways
The Uttar Pradesh government has designated the event as a state event. The main air shows are scheduled for October 22, 23 and 25, with October 26 kept as a standby day. Authorities are also carrying out special cleanliness drives, riverfront barricading and crowd-management measures to ensure safety.