Ahead of the Gowri-Ganesha festival on September 7, the Bengaluru City Police on Friday issued a comprehensive set of guidelines for the organizers and the public to ensure that the festivities are conducted peacefully and without disruption to daily life.

The Gowri-Ganesha festivalknown for its deep cultural and spiritual significance, sees various organizations across the city installing Ganesha idols and conducting immersion processions on different days. To manage these events effectively, the police have mandated that all organizers obtain the necessary permissions from their local police stations before installing idols in public spaces.

The police have mandated that the installations should not obstruct public or vehicular traffic, especially on busy roads. The police have warned against the illegal collection of funds for idol installation and related events, stating that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in such activities. Organizers are also required to secure permits from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for constructing pandals or erecting shamiyanas in public areas.

Additionally, the installation of idols in disputed locations is prohibited unless prior consent from the property owner and local police is obtained. In accordance with the directives of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, organizers must follow specific environmental guidelines. Furthermore, the Karnataka High Court’s prohibition on installing flexes, boards, and banners remains in force, and organizers must adhere to these rules, the authorities have reminded.

The police have also asked two responsible individuals from each organizing committee to be present at the idol installation site round-the-clock to prevent any untoward incident. The organizers are also required to install CCTV cameras, display emergency contact numbers, and ensure the availability of fire extinguishers at the venue.

Festive offer

The use of cooking fuel, including wood, kerosene, or stoves, is strictly prohibited in and around the idol installation sites. Organizers of Gowri-Ganesha pujas must also obtain necessary approvals from the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) for electrical wiring and decorations and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire brigade and the traffic police. Adequate lighting must be provided at the idol 24 hours to ensure safety.

As part of crowd control, the police said organizers are responsible for managing the arrival and departure of devotees, building barricades for crowd control, and ensuring that no criminal activities occur during the festival. Any incident of harassment or misbehaviour, especially towards women, will be the direct responsibility of the organizing committee.

Regarding the use of loudspeakers, the police have restricted their operation between 6 am and 10 pm, in consideration of senior citizens, school children, and the general public. DJs and high-volume sound systems are strictly prohibited.

During the immersion processions, organizers are expected to issue identification badges, t-shirts, or caps to volunteers to facilitate smooth operations. Procession routes must not be altered without prior approval and the processions must conclude by 10 pm. The use of explosives, firecrackers, and camphor near sensitive or religious sites is banned, and organizers are urged to take necessary precautions, particularly concerning overhead electrical wires and tree branches.

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