Mumbai Police Tighten Security For Navratri 2026; CCTV, Plain-Clothes Patrolling At Garba Venues, Firecrackers And Laser Lights Restricted

Mumbai Police have intensified security measures ahead of the Navratri festival, which kicks off this weekend. The city's police force is taking special precautions at Durga pandals and Garba and Dandiya venues, with a focus on protecting women and children. Organizers have been given strict guidelines to prevent any incidents, such as eve-teasing, during the festivities.

Police personnel will patrol the streets regularly, and plain-clothed officers will be stationed at Garba and Dandiya sites to keep a watchful eye on the crowd.

To ensure safety, the police have also issued guidelines for Garba and Dandiya organizers. These include appointing volunteers to screen visitors and maintain records, prohibiting the parking of vehicles near venues, and restricting the carrying of unnecessary items. Organizers are required to install CCTV cameras at all event venues and set up watchtowers to monitor any suspicious activities. Additionally, private security guards will be deployed as an extra precaution.

Restrictions have been placed on fireworks and laser lights during the nine-day festival. Firecrackers are prohibited during arrival and immersion processions, and violators will face consequences. The use of laser lights, high-intensity lumen lights, and powerful beams during processions is also banned. Ulhasnagar's Traffic Police recently recovered a stolen scooter that had been reported in 2024, thanks to the e-challan system which revealed a mismatch in the chassis number. Organizers found guilty of violating noise pollution norms will also face action.