IRCTC Responds After Railway Stall Staff Say That No Non-Vegetarian Food Will Be Served During Sawan

Trains are a well-liked form of transportation since they provide quick access to many locations. In particular, for long-distance travel, trains provide a convenient and pleasant means of transportation. The trips frequently provide breathtaking views of the countryside that are not accessible by other forms of transportation at affordable prices.

However, the accessibility of food alternatives is a factor that travelers frequently think about while planning their train trips. Railway catering services offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal options to accommodate the wide range of culinary tastes of travelers. While vegetarian dining is a popular option among travelers, trains also serve a variety of meat-based meals for those who want them.

However, this food choice recently become a topic of contention on social media. It is all because of one viral video in which a railway official is seen claiming that the railway is offering vegetarian-only food in Bhagalpur during Sawan. What is more surprising is that IRCTC refuted the claims when it attracts criticism on social media.

Official says only vegetarian food will be available at Bihar’s Bhagalpur during Sawan

An official from the food services stall in Bihar’s Bhagalpur recently stirred controversy by claiming that non-vegetarian food is going to get banned during the month of Savan. Pankaj Kumar, stall’s manager, said that from July 4, only vegetarian food will be available during the month of Sawan. He added that vegetarian meals would be prepared without onion and garlic, and fruits would also be offered to passengers. Emphasizing cleanliness, he assured that hygiene would be maintained.

IRCTC refuted the claims of officials about vegetarian-only food during Savan

However, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) overwhelmingly refuted his claims. In a statement given to Hindustan Times, IRCTC claimed that no such instructions had been issued, and all approved food items would continue to be available for sale to passengers from the food unit. It suggests that it can be a misunderstanding or inconsistency regarding the provision of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals aboard trains.

In the Hindu lunar calendar, the month of Sawan holds tremendous significance for Hindus. For millions of Hindus throughout India and beyond, it is a time of spiritual devotion, fasting, and joy. This year’s Sawan, which takes place during July and August, starts on July 4 and lasts till August 31. Interestingly, this year’s Sawan will be 59 days long, with eight Sawan Mondays or Somwars, instead of the usual four, occurring after a gap of 19 years.

As part of their religious rituals, worshippers observe fasting on Mondays throughout this holy month. Another notable Sawan celebration is the Kanwar Yatra. It includes Lord Shiva worshippers bringing holy water from sacred rivers in little pots called Kanwars. They travel on foot to Lord Shiva pilgrimage places while wearing saffron-colored clothing to show their dedication and devotion.

The Haridwar district government has restricted public drone use in the Har ki Pauri region and its surroundings from July 4 to July 17 due to the impending Kanwar Yatra. Additionally, helicopters will not be permitted to fly in these restricted areas. Only police-administered drones will be allowed for surveillance and security purposes.