Bengaluru Ganesh Chaturthi Rules Ban DJ Use During Celebrations

Preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi are gathering pace across Bengaluru as organisers begin arranging idols, pandals and other requirements for the festival. With the celebration scheduled for September 14, police have issued detailed instructions for committees planning public events and processions.

The rules put particular emphasis on safety, crowd management and noise control. Organisers have been told to obtain the necessary permissions from the police and other concerned departments before installing a Ganesh idol or starting any related programme.

One of the most important instructions concerns the use of DJs. Bengaluru police have prohibited DJ systems during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and idol immersion processions in view of Supreme Court directions. Organisers can use permitted loudspeaker systems only within the legally prescribed noise limits.

The decision is significant because loud music and sound levels have frequently become points of concern during public celebrations. This time, organisers have been asked to ensure that the permitted decibel limits are followed throughout the event.

Police have also placed responsibility on festival committees for ensuring that the celebrations remain peaceful. If organisers violate conditions or an incident occurs because of negligence, the committee could face action, according to the instructions issued by the department.

Another important requirement is the submission of a complete volunteer list. Organisers must provide details of people who will assist with crowd management and other activities during the celebrations.

Committees are also required to submit information about the Ganesh idol, pandal, loudspeaker arrangements and flex banners. Details such as the height of the idol and the duration of the celebration must also be provided to the authorities.

The immersion procession will require separate planning. Organisers must inform the police about the date, time and proposed route in advance. The procession must follow the route and schedule approved by the authorities.

However, police have retained the right to modify an approved route if necessary for security or traffic management. Organisers will therefore need to coordinate with officials rather than treating the initially submitted route as permanently fixed.

The department has also issued instructions regarding the conduct of people participating in the celebrations. Organisers must ensure that no obscene or inappropriate programmes are held at the pandals.

Consumption of alcohol by participants before or during the immersion procession has also been prohibited. The aim is to prevent avoidable incidents and maintain discipline during crowded public events.

Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh explained the festival related guidelines while speaking to the media. The department has asked Ganesh festival committees to cooperate with officials and follow the conditions without exception.

Attention is also being given to immersion locations. Officials are inspecting proposed procession routes and immersion points ahead of the festival. The Greater Bengaluru Authority and the concerned Deputy Commissioners of Police are expected to examine these areas and review arrangements.

Safety facilities at immersion locations are another major focus this year. Authorities have been instructed to ensure adequate lighting, CCTV cameras, trained swimmers and life jackets at locations where idols will be immersed.

These arrangements are intended to reduce risks during immersion activities, particularly when large groups gather at the same location. Better coordination between organisers and officials is also expected to make it easier to respond quickly if any problem occurs.

The police have urged committees to complete the permission process before beginning their celebrations. Installing an idol without the required approvals will not be permitted under the new instructions.

Organisers have also been asked to strictly follow the time limits fixed by the authorities. Events and processions should not continue beyond the permitted period, and immersion processions should take place within the approved schedule.

The guidelines are being introduced as Bengaluru prepares for another major public festival. Ganesh Chaturthi attracts large gatherings across different parts of the city, making traffic control, crowd management and public safety important parts of the preparations.

For festival committees, the message from the police is clear. Planning the celebration is not limited to arranging the idol and pandal. Organisers must also complete permissions, provide volunteer details, follow noise restrictions and coordinate with authorities throughout the event.

The police have asked all committees to cooperate so that the festival can be celebrated peacefully while avoiding disruption to residents, traffic and emergency services.