As Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 approaches, authorities in Bengaluru have introduced strict guidelines aimed at ensuring that the festival is celebrated safely, peacefully and in an environmentally responsible manner. The city’s Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and Bengaluru Police have made it clear that organisers and residents must follow the prescribed rules during this year’s celebrations.
The festival will be celebrated on September 14, 2026, and one of the most important regulations is the complete ban on Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesha idols. Authorities have urged devotees to choose clay and other eco-friendly alternatives.
Complete Ban on PoP Ganesha Idols
The GBA has said that no permission will be granted for the installation or worship of Ganesha idols made from Plaster of Paris. The restriction is aimed at protecting Bengaluru’s lakes and other water bodies from pollution caused during idol immersion.
Authorities have also prohibited the manufacture and sale of idols made using PoP, thermocol and chemical paints. Officials have warned that violators could face fines, seizure of prohibited materials and criminal action.
The authorities are encouraging citizens to use natural clay idols and environmentally friendly colours instead.
Permission Mandatory for Public Pandals
Residents’ associations, community groups and festival committees planning to install Ganesha idols in public spaces or organise public celebrations must obtain prior permission.
A single-window permission system has been introduced to simplify the process. Applications can be submitted through the jurisdictional police station, where officials from the civic body, police, BESCOM, fire department and other agencies will jointly examine the proposals.
Organisers are required to comply with government regulations and applicable National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines before receiving approval.
Processions and Loudspeakers Under Rules
Ganesha processions will also have to follow approved routes and timings. Organisers must provide details of the proposed procession route and submit a list of volunteers to the police.
The use of loudspeakers will also be regulated. Permission is required for sound systems, and organisers must remain within legally permitted noise levels. Police have warned that violations could result in action.
Special Arrangements for Visarjan
Authorities are preparing designated locations for the immersion of large idols, along with temporary tanks, drums, barricades and other safety arrangements. Residents are also being encouraged to immerse smaller eco-friendly idols at home in buckets and reuse the resulting soil for gardening.
The crackdown on PoP idols has already intensified. Enforcement teams recently seized 850 PoP Ganesha idols from nine locations in North Bengaluru, highlighting the authorities’ efforts to enforce the ban ahead of the festival.
Celebrate Responsibly
With thousands of families and community groups preparing for Ganesh Chaturthi, authorities have appealed to Bengaluru residents to celebrate responsibly while respecting environmental and safety regulations.
For devotees, choosing an eco-friendly Ganesha idol, obtaining the necessary permissions for public celebrations and following procession and sound restrictions will be essential for a smooth and peaceful Ganesha Festival 2026 in Bengaluru