Navratri 2026: Police Issue 44 Rules for Garba Events; Loudspeakers Off at Midnight

Organisers of Navratri events at party plots, clubs, housing societies and on the street must switch off microphones, loudspeakers and public address systems by 12:00 midnight, according to a notification issued by the Police Commissioner. It covers Raas, Garba and Dandiya programmes from 11 to 20 October, spanning the nine days of Navratri and Dussehra.

The notification comes with 44 rules for organisers: 12 on permissions and 32 on event management. They apply to commercial events as well as gatherings run by societies, pols (neighbourhoods) and street Garba groups.

Sound Systems Must Stop by Midnight

Organisers have been instructed to comply with noise pollution rules by not operating sound systems after 12:00 am. The use of such systems is also prohibited in “silent zones” around hospitals, educational institutions and courts. The police will take legal action against violators.

Organisers must submit full details of the loudspeaker rental provider. Both organisers and sound system owners will be held liable for any incident related to the sound system.

Who Grants Permission

• Society and street Garba events (non-commercial): The Police Inspector of the local police station grants loudspeaker permission, so organisers can obtain it directly from the station.
• Commercial Raas-Garba events (party plots and clubs, with tickets or passes): The ACP (Traffic) issues microphone permission. Police stations must promptly forward applications, along with their recommendations.

Mentors to Coordinate with Police

• Organisers of society and street Garba events must appoint two “mentors”. A police officer or staff member at the local station is also designated as a mentor.
• Police personnel will coordinate with the organising committees’ mentors on public and women’s safety, traffic management, and keeping out people under the influence of intoxicants.

Security and Women’s Safety Measures

• Identity proofs must be collected from all attendees, including anyone issued an entry pass.
• Organisers must coordinate with the police “She Team” on women’s safety.
• Adequate CCTV cameras must cover the venue and the parking area, and AI-based cameras must be installed to deter anti-social elements. Four watchtowers must be erected for video recording, and the police will monitor the CCTV feeds.
• Breathalysers, door-frame metal detectors and hand-held metal detectors must be used to stop intoxicated people from entering. Two people must be appointed to intercept them and alert the police, and their details must be submitted to the police station.
• Bags and personal items must be collected at the entrance in exchange for a token.
• Personnel deployed at various locations must be issued ID cards.

Crowd, Traffic and Venue Management

• Tickets or passes must not exceed the venue’s capacity. Barricades must separate participants from spectators and manage entry points.
• The venue must have separate entry and exit gates, plus emergency gates for ambulance access.
• Organisers must ensure there are no traffic jams or obstructive parking within 200 metres on both sides of the venue.
• Electrical fittings, fire safety measures, security guards, parking facilities, volunteers and medical facilities must be arranged.
• Organisers must follow Supreme Court directives on marquees (shamianas) and obtain written permission from all relevant government departments.
• The Garbi (shrine or idol) should be installed in a common plot, private plot or open space.

Other Requirements

• Songs that are obscene or offensive to religious sentiments must not be played.
• Organisers must inform the police in advance if a VIP, celebrity or well-known artist is due to visit.
• Food safety regulations must be followed and cleanliness maintained.