Bengaluru: Police have imposed a temporary ban on the sale of liquor in certain parts of the city to maintain law and order during the annual Jayanti Mahotsav of Arogya Mate at St Mary’s Basilica in Shivajinagar.
Liquor ban timings and areas
According to an order issued by City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, the prohibition will be enforced on Monday, from 6 am to midnight. The ban covers areas under Shivajinagar, Commercial Street, and Bharathinagar police station limits.
The restriction applies to all establishments selling liquor, including bars, pubs, wine shops, restaurants, and MSIL outlets. However, an exemption has been provided to CL-4 and CL-6A licence holders, which typically include star hotels and club licensees.
Festival and procession details
The decision comes in the run-up to the annual Jayanti Mahotsav at St Mary’s Basilica, a major Christian religious celebration that draws thousands of devotees every year.
The festival will feature a grand chariot procession, beginning from the basilica and proceeding through MK Street, Shivaji Road, and Broadway Road, before returning to the church. Officials expect a turnout of nearly two lakh devotees for the day-long celebrations, which will also include a series of puja programmes.
Law and order measures
Authorities clarified that the ban is a precautionary measure to prevent any law and order situation that could arise from miscreants under the influence of alcohol. Police officials will be stationed along the procession routes to ensure smooth conduct of the event.
In addition to the liquor ban, security arrangements have been heightened in the surrounding areas, with increased patrolling and crowd management plans to accommodate the large number of devotees expected.
Conclusion
The liquor prohibition order is part of wider efforts by the city administration to ensure that the Jayanti Mahotsav is conducted peacefully and without disruptions. Residents and visitors have been urged to cooperate with authorities during the celebration.