Maharashtra traders air beef against ban — in pictures

The cattle holding area of the Deonar abattoir in Mumbai, which slaughters 400 buffalo and bullocks a day, is deserted as a result of the indefinite strike by butchers. Subhash Sharma for The National

The cow is considered sacred and is referred to as GoMata, or mother cow, by Hindus. Subhash Sharma for The National

Butchers, above, who sell beef have gone on strike because of the ban. Subhash Sharma for The National

Business has slowed at the popular Al Rehmani restaurant in Mumbai. Subhash Sharma for The National

Mohammed Mushtaq, a taxi driver in Mumbai, has switched to goat meat but can only afford to buy smaller quantities because it is four times as expensive as beef. Subhash Sharma for The National

At Crawford Market, above, one of the Mumbai’s most popular and historic markets, meat shops have remained closed as butchers continue their strike. Subhash Sharma for The National

Customers of Al Rehmani, a popular restaurant with beef on the menu, have reluctantly switched to chicken dishes since the ban. Subhash Sharma for The National

A devotee offers fodder to cows, which is considered holy by Hindus. Subhash Sharma for The National

A staff skewers chicken for grilling at Al Rehmani restaurant. Subhash Sharma for The National

Babu Qureshi, who was once a chef at Al Rehmani restaurant tasked with making beef kebab masala, has been demoted to waiting on customers after the beef ban. Subhash Sharma for The National

The menu card at Al Rehmani restaurant, a popular place for beef dishes, with beef entrees stricken off the list. Subhash Sharma for The National

Maharashtra’s meat traders are up in arms over the beef ban, imposed this month by Hindu nationalists ruling the state, which makes it illegal to sell or possess meat and can result into imprisonment for up to five years.