Bengaluru, Feb. 12 -- The Greater Bengaluru Authority on Thursday issued a notification prohibiting animal slaughter and the sale of meat in slaughterhouses under their jurisdiction on the occasion of Mahashivratri.

The ban will only be imposed on February 15 in Bengaluru.

The Maha Shivaratri, also known as the great night of Shiva, is considered auspicious for spiritual growth and signifies the victory over darkness and ignorance. It also marks the divine marriage of Lord Shiva--the lord of destruction--with Goddess Parvati, the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty, also known as Shakti (power).

According to Hindu mythology, on the night of their wedding, Lord Shiva reached Goddess Parvati's house with a diverse group of Hindu gods,...