On August 26, 2026 the Superintendent of Police for Dakshina Kannada announced comprehensive guidelines for public celebrations in Mangaluru, covering Eid Milad, Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navarathri, Deepawali and Christmas.
Organisers must secure written permission before any event or procession and submit contact details of responsible persons. When the venue lies on private land, a No Objection Certificate from the owner is also mandatory.
All DJ systems and high‑decibel sound equipment are prohibited. Loudspeakers may operate only after written approval and must be switched off by 10 p.m. Noise levels cannot exceed 65 dB in commercial zones, 55 dB in residential areas and 50 dB in designated silence zones.
Processions are barred after 11.30 p.m.; any gathering that continues beyond the approved time or deviates from the sanctioned route will be treated as an unlawful assembly.
Security arrangements include round‑the‑clock guard for idols, pandals and valuables, mandatory CCTV coverage and a requirement to retain footage for at least 30 days. The police have warned against slogans, banners or social‑media posts that incite hatred, as well as any form of eve‑teasing, stalking, voyeurism or sexual harassment.
Additional measures call for sufficient volunteers to manage crowds, adherence to approved capacity, and compliance with legal and MESCOM norms for pandal and vehicle heights. All vehicles must display valid registration, fitness, insurance and pollution certificates. Organisers must provide fire extinguishers, ambulances and first‑aid kits, while toxic dyes, banned chemicals and single‑use plastics are forbidden.
Traffic flow must remain unhindered, emergency routes clear, and parking confined to designated areas. Property damage is prohibited; banners and flex boards need prior approval and must be removed after the event, with cleaning coordinated through the Mangaluru City Corporation.
Carrying arms or dangerous weapons is strictly banned. Drones may be used only with written permission, and animals can join processions only after obtaining prior clearance and complying with animal‑welfare rules.
Police officers may inspect venues at any time; obstruction will attract legal action. Citizens are urged to report suspicious activity by dialing 112 or visiting the nearest police station. Violations will be pursued under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, the Karnataka Police Act and other applicable statutes.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalore Today