Ahmedabad: With the Navratri festival set to begin, the Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner, G.S. Malik, has issued a comprehensive public notification outlining strict regulations and a massive security plan to ensure a safe and orderly celebration from September 22 to October 2, 2025. The guidelines focus on controlling sound pollution, ensuring robust security at garba venues, and managing traffic across the city.

Key Timings and Sound Regulations
The police notification grants a special relaxation for the use of loudspeakers and public address systems for Navratri celebrations. Organizers are permitted to play music for Raas Garba and other events from 10:00 PM until 12:00 midnight during the ten days of Navratri (September 22 to October 1) and on Dussehra (October 2). However, the order strictly prohibits the use of any sound systems after the midnight deadline. All events must adhere to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. The use of loudspeakers is completely banned within a 100-meter radius of designated “Silence Zones,” including hospitals, educational institutions, and courts. For days outside this specific festival period, the permission for garba programs is limited to 10:00 PM.

Unprecedented Security Measures (Bandobast)
To maintain law and order, the city police have planned an extensive deployment of personnel across Ahmedabad. The security detail will include:

• 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs)
• 30 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs)
• 160 Police Inspectors (PIs)
• 5,000 Police personnel
• 4,000 Home Guards (HG)
• 3 State Reserve Police (SRP) companies
• 1 Special Action Force unit

Special attention will be given to women’s safety, with 49 SHE Teams deployed, many of whom will operate in plainclothes as decoys to prevent harassment. A fleet of 123 PCR vans will be on patrol for rapid response. Police will also conduct surprise checks at hotels and farmhouses and increase patrolling on isolated roads.

Strict Mandates for Garba Organizers
The police have issued a detailed list of instructions for all Navratri event organizers, placing a strong emphasis on public safety and accountability.

• Venue Security and Surveillance: Organizers are required to install CCTV cameras at all entry/exit points and in parking areas. For large-scale events, setting up four watchtowers with daily video recording is mandatory. Private security guards and volunteers must be deployed in proportion to the expected crowd size.
• Access Control: Venues must have separate entry and exit gates for men and women, along with a designated emergency exit. Security staff must use door-frame metal detectors, hand-held metal detectors, and breathalyzers to screen attendees at the entrance. Anyone found in an intoxicated state must be reported to the police immediately.
• Parking Management: Organizers must provide ample parking space and maintain a register logging the details of every vehicle. Parking areas must be equipped with HD CCTV cameras. Details from the RC book, driving license, or insurance policy must also be noted.
• Staff Verification: All on-site staff, including volunteers, security personnel, and electricians, must be issued photo identity cards, and their personal details must be submitted to the local police station in advance.
• Health and Safety: Smoking is strictly prohibited at all garba venues. Organizers must ensure the availability of first-aid medical facilities and have an ambulance on standby. A stability certificate from the Public Works Department (PWD) is required for large stages.
• Ticket and Pass Issuance: Organizers are forbidden from selling tickets or passes beyond the venue’s capacity. They must also collect and maintain records of identity proofs (like Aadhaar or election cards) from individuals to whom passes are issued.

Traffic Enforcement and Penalties
Traffic police will be on high alert to prevent violations. A special drive will be conducted against vehicles without number plates, those with dark window films, and individuals engaged in bike or car racing.

Any individual or organizer found violating the notification will face legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and Sections 131, 134, 135, and 136 of the Gujarat Police Act, 1951. As of September 21, the police had received 84 applications for organizing Navratri events, of which 29 have been granted approval.

Prohibited Activities:

• Smoking is strictly prohibited in areas where people gather. Signage indicating this ban must be displayed.
• Provocative speeches, posters, or any activity that could cause class conflict or disturb peace are forbidden.
• Organizers must not play or sing songs that violate public decency or offend religious sentiments.
• Wearing transparent (revealing) dresses during Dandiya is prohibited.