The fasting season means most Jains only consume food and water once a day, with some observing even stricter fasting regimes.

According to the Economic Times in India, poultry farmers across drought-hit Maharashtra have been expressing concerns, saying it will impact prices for weeks.

Mumbai alone consumes about 1000 tonnes of chicken every day and even one day's closure in the city leads to a fall in prices for a few weeks.

"Mumbai is the biggest consumption centre. With closure of shops on just one day, pressure comes on other markets," said Raghvendra Joshi, managing director at Khadkeshwara Hatcheries.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday banned sale of meat for four days on September 10, 13, 17 and 18, just days after Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) banned meat for all eight days during Paryushan.

This is a double whammy for the poultry industry that was already hit by the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Nashik, a mass Hindu pilgrimage that lasts several weeks and attracts huge crowds.

"We already have a backlog of eight days as roads were closed due to Kumbh Mela and the overall religious atmosphere," said Srikrushna Gangurde, vice president, Maharashtra Poultry Breeders Welfare Association.

He said lack of sales show in birds' average weight which has already touched 3 kg against normal 2-2.2 kg per bird.