Mangaluru: No DJs, high-decibel speakers as DK police issue festive season guidelines
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, Aug 26, 2026: Ahead of the upcoming festive season, including Eid Milad, Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navarathri, Deepawali and Christmas, the Dakshina Kannada district police have issued strict guidelines for public events and processions to maintain law and order, ensure public safety and prevent inconvenience to residents.
The Superintendent of Police has directed organisers to obtain prior written permission for events and processions and provide the contact details of responsible persons. For events held on private property, organisers must also obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner.
DJs and high-decibel speakers banned
The police have prohibited the use of DJ systems, high-decibel speakers and similar sound systems. Loudspeakers may be used only with prior written permission and must be switched off by 10 pm.
Noise levels must remain within the prescribed limits of 65 dB in commercial areas, 55 dB in residential areas and 50 dB in silence zones.
Processions will not be permitted beyond 11.30 pm under any circumstances. Gatherings continuing beyond the permitted time or deviations from the approved venue or procession route will be treated as unlawful assemblies.
Security and women’s safety
Organisers must arrange round-the-clock security for idols, pandals and other valuables at event venues. CCTV cameras are mandatory, and recorded footage must be preserved for at least 30 days.
The police have warned of strict action against slogans, banners, performances or social media posts that promote hatred, insult religions or disturb communal harmony.
There will also be zero tolerance for eve-teasing, stalking, voyeurism and sexual harassment during events and processions.
Other key guidelines
* Crowd control: Adequate volunteers must be deployed to manage crowds, and attendance must not exceed the approved capacity.
* Structures and vehicles: Pandal and vehicle heights must comply with legal and MESCOM norms. All vehicles must carry valid registration, fitness, insurance and PUC documents.
* Emergency preparedness: Organisers must provide fire extinguishers, ambulances and first-aid kits. Toxic dyes, banned chemicals and single-use plastics are prohibited.
* Traffic management: Free movement of vehicles and pedestrians must be ensured. Emergency routes must remain clear, while parking is permitted only in designated areas.
* Property and cleanliness: Public and private property must not be damaged. Banners and flex boards require prior approval and must be removed after the event. Organisers must ensure the venue is cleaned in coordination with the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC).
* Weapons and drones: Carrying arms or dangerous weapons is strictly prohibited. Drones may be used only with prior written permission from the competent authority.
* Use of animals: Animals may be included in processions only with prior permission and in compliance with animal welfare regulations.
The police said authorised officers may inspect event venues at any time and warned that obstruction of inspections would invite legal action.
Organisers and participants have been urged to report suspicious activities or disturbances by calling 112 or contacting the nearest police station.
The police warned that violations of the guidelines would attract strict action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Karnataka Police Act and other applicable laws.