Udupi: The Udupi district administration has ordered a three-day ban on liquor sales in connection with Ganeshotsava celebrations and Ganesha idol immersion ceremonies. The restriction will be enforced on September 14, 16 and 18, with the timing and areas varying according to the festival schedule.
Liquor sales banned across Udupi on September 14
According to an order issued by Udupi Deputy Commissioner T.K. Swaroopa, liquor sales will be completely prohibited across Udupi district on September 14.
The ban will come into effect at 6 am and remain in force until midnight. The restriction covers the entire district as Ganeshotsava celebrations get underway.
The administration has imposed the restriction as a precautionary measure to maintain peace and public order during the festival and prevent any untoward incidents.
Udupi city to observe dry period on September 16
The second phase of the restriction will be imposed on September 16.
On that day, liquor sales will be prohibited within Udupi city limits from 2 pm until midnight.
The administration has linked the restriction to the festival and related celebrations, with authorities making arrangements to ensure that public gatherings and other events are conducted peacefully.
The order forms part of wider preparations by the district administration and police for Ganeshotsava. Earlier, officials had held a preparatory meeting with Ganesha festival committees and instructed organisers to follow regulations relating to idol installation, processions, loudspeakers, traffic, parking, fire safety and eco-friendly celebrations.
Restrictions on September 18 cover immersion areas
The third phase of the liquor ban will come into force on September 18.
On this day, liquor sales will be prohibited from 2 pm to midnight in police station jurisdictions where Ganesha idol immersion ceremonies are scheduled.
The restriction will also cover specified villages falling under the Gangolli, Kundapura Town and Kaup police station limits.
This location-specific approach is intended to cover areas where large gatherings and immersion processions are expected, allowing authorities to focus their law-and-order arrangements on the identified locations.
Ban aimed at maintaining law and order
The district administration has imposed the restrictions as a preventive measure during the festival period.
Ganeshotsava involves public celebrations, idol installations and immersion processions that can attract large crowds. Police and district authorities have therefore stepped up security arrangements across Udupi and neighbouring Dakshina Kannada.
Udupi police have also urged festival organisers to conduct idol immersion only through officially designated routes and at approved locations and to strictly follow instructions issued by the authorities.
Police step up security for Ganeshotsava
The liquor restrictions are part of broader security arrangements in Udupi district.
According to police, 492 Ganesha idols are scheduled to be installed and immersed in Udupi district this year. Of the locations identified, 415 have been classified as normal, 74 as sensitive and three as highly sensitive.
Police have also conducted 22 peace committee meetings. Preventive action has been taken against 611 people, while 487 individuals have reportedly been made to execute bonds under various laws as a precautionary measure.
The administration’s preparations are aimed at ensuring that the festival and immersion ceremonies pass off peacefully without disruption.
Udupi prepares for festival celebrations
With Ganeshotsava beginning on September 14, devotees and public festival committees across Udupi have completed preparations for idol installations and celebrations.
The three-day liquor restriction is among the preventive measures being implemented by the district administration during the festival period. The different timings and geographical limits reflect the expected schedule of celebrations and immersion programmes.
Residents, traders and festival organisers in the affected areas will need to take note of the restrictions on the specified dates.
The administration has urged organisers to cooperate with the police and follow all prescribed guidelines to ensure peaceful and orderly Ganeshotsava celebrations.