Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district administration has imposed restrictions on the sale of liquor in view of the Sharada Mahotsava celebrations and processions being organised across the district as part of the Navaratri festival.
The prohibition has been ordered as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents during the religious processions. Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V has directed that the sale of all types of liquor be prohibited in the respective areas under the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate and the Dakshina Kannada district police unit.
According to the order, the restrictions will apply to bars, wine shops and other establishments involved in the sale of liquor in the designated localities.
Liquor sale prohibited during processions
The liquor sale ban will come into effect from 4 pm and remain in force until midnight on the day of the Shobhayatre and other processions in the respective areas.
The restriction is intended to ensure that the religious celebrations proceed peacefully, with adequate measures in place to prevent disturbances and maintain public safety. As Sharada Mahotsava celebrations involve the movement of processions through localities, the administration has taken precautionary steps to minimise the possibility of law and order issues.
The order covers all types of liquor sales, including those at bars and wine shops. The prohibition will apply according to the schedule of the procession in each locality, rather than serving as a uniform restriction across all areas for the entire festival period.
Residents and business establishments in the affected areas are expected to comply with the restrictions during the specified hours.
Restrictions cover police commissionerate and district police areas
The prohibition applies to the respective areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate and the Dakshina Kannada district police unit.
The district administration has issued the directive in connection with the Sharada Mahotsava programmes and processions being conducted in different parts of Dakshina Kannada during Navaratri.
Sharada Mahotsava is observed in several localities with religious ceremonies, cultural activities and processions. These events attract devotees and members of the public, particularly during the movement of decorated idols and other festival-related activities.
With celebrations taking place at different locations and on different dates, the timing of the restriction will depend on the Shobhayatre or procession scheduled in the respective locality. The ban will therefore remain in force between 4 pm and midnight on the relevant day.
Precautionary measure to maintain public order
The administration’s decision forms part of the precautionary arrangements intended to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Restrictions on liquor sales during major public gatherings and religious processions are imposed to help maintain public order and reduce the risk of incidents that could disrupt celebrations.
The directive applies specifically to liquor sales during the notified period and in the designated areas. Establishments covered by the order will need to observe the restriction for the duration specified by the authorities.
Members of the public are advised to take note of the restrictions applicable to their localities and cooperate with the authorities during the festival.
The district administration’s order seeks to facilitate the peaceful conduct of Sharada Mahotsava celebrations across Dakshina Kannada while ensuring that the religious processions and associated programmes take place without disruption.