All meat markets under the control of the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation in the Thane district have been asked to stay closed on January 22 in observance of the consecration ceremony of the newly constructed Ram temple in Ayodhya. Shopkeepers are asked to cooperate in the appeal, which was submitted by Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Ajay Vaidya.

Vaidya emphasised in a statement issued on Friday that festivities are planned throughout Bhiwandi and that the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram's idol is set for January 22. All stores in Bhiwandi selling mutton, poultry, and fish were ordered to close on that day after a review meeting attended by police officials, the city administration, and the local peace committee.