Darjeeling: The annual animal slaughter and fish import ban in Sikkim during key Buddhist holy observances in 2026–27 will now extend to 55 days, officials said on Sunday.This year, the primary phase of the ban will be observed from Feb 18 to March 18, with additional prohibitory dates spread throughout the year in accordance with the Tibetan calendar. The restrictions coincide with Dawa Dhangpo, the first and most sacred month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, regarded as a spiritually significant period for Buddhists.The directive was issued by the state’s Ecclesiastical Affairs Department and applies to the slaughter of poultry, livestock and fish across Sikkim.The notification reads, “There shall be a complete ban on slaughtering of animals in the state. All meat stalls shall remain closed during the said dates. However, import of meat shall be permitted in unavoidable circumstances like marriage, social ceremonies, and for feeding of zoo animals, with prior written permission from the Ecclesiastical Department.” The notification further warns that anyone found slaughtering animals or selling freshly slaughtered meat during the prohibited period will be liable to a penalty of Rs 1,000.
