Success of a united protest by Hindus
Kotavde (Ratnagiri) – The villagers of Kotavde village had submitted a demand to the Gram Panchayat to close the ‘Halal Chicken Centre’ that had been started near the swayambhu (self-manifested) and spiritually powerful shrine of the Village Deity, Shri Mahalakshmi Devi.
On 6 January, villagers met Sarpanch Santosh Bargode and handed over a representation. Some villagers also sent individual letters to the Gram Panchayat, demanding the closure of the shop. Sarpanch Santosh Bargode had assured positive action on this matter. Accordingly, action has been taken, and the ‘Halal Chicken Centre’ located near the temple has been closed.
The villagers expressed their appreciation to the Gram Panchayat and offered gratitude at the feet of Shri Mahalakshmi Devi.
Shri Mahalakshmi Devi is the centre of faith for the entire village. The place of the Village Deity and the sanctity of the temple are certainly above any kind of dispute or politics. In their representation to the Gram Panchayat, the villagers had demanded that, considering the religious sentiments of the villagers, the Panchayat should not grant permission to this chicken centre. Village youths visited various hamlets to inform residents about the representation, which received signatures from many villagers.
January 7, 2026
Locals unite against ‘Halal Chicken Centre’ near Shri Mahalakshmi Temple in Kotavde
Kotavde (Ratnagiri) – Villagers of Kotavde united in opposition to the ‘Ahil Halal Chicken Centre’ that began operating near the swayambhu (self-manifested) and spiritually revered Shri Mahalakshmi temple from 1 January 2026. Locals stated that the sale of meat near the temple hurt religious sentiments and affected the sanctity of the sacred place.
On 6 January, villagers submitted a formal representation to Sarpanch Santosh Bargode, demanding the immediate removal of the chicken centre. Representatives from various hamlets participated in the effort, and a village-wide signature campaign was conducted with active involvement from local youth.
The Sarpanch stated that the shop operator had not obtained the required permission from the Gram Panchayat and confirmed that a notice would be issued. He also clarified that meat sales should not be permitted near the temple.
