Archive · 5 Sep 2026
BMC Denies Bhandup Dahi Handi Permission Over Law-and-Order Concerns
The BMC decided that no Dahi Handi event could be held at a disputed place in Bhandup West this year.
Two different groups had asked to organize the celebration there.
One group was the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and the other was Aadhar Shri Swami Samarth Pratishthan.
Police warned that the event could create safety and law-and-order problems.
Because of that warning, the BMC cancelled an earlier temporary permit and rejected the other application.
The Bombay High Court had told the BMC to make its own decision instead of only following earlier police recommendations.
The civic commissioner met representatives of both groups before deciding.
The celebration will therefore not be allowed at that venue on September 5.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation denied permission for Dahi Handi celebrations at Ashok Kedare Chowk in Bhandup West.
The event was scheduled for September 5, 2026, during Janmashtami.
A Bhandup Police Inspector’s report dated September 4 warned of serious security and law-and-order concerns.
The BMC withdrew a temporary permit previously granted to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.
It also rejected an application from Aadhar Shri Swami Samarth Pratishthan, barring the celebration at the disputed venue.
- Who
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Bhandup Police, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and Aadhar Shri Swami Samarth Pratishthan were involved.
- What
- The BMC denied all applications to hold the annual Dahi Handi Utsav at Ashok Kedare Chowk.
- When
- The event was scheduled for September 5, 2026; a key police report was submitted on September 4.
- Where
- Ashok Kedare Chowk in Bhandup West, Mumbai.
- Why
- The BMC cited police warnings about potential law-and-order disruptions and public-safety concerns.
Event Organisers
Civic and Police Authorities
Permission for the celebration
Event Organisers
Rival groups sought permission to organize the annual Dahi Handi Utsav at Ashok Kedare Chowk, with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena previously receiving a temporary permit.
Civic and Police Authorities
The BMC withdrew the MNS permit and rejected the application from Aadhar Shri Swami Samarth Pratishthan.
Basis for the final decision
Event Organisers
The groups participated in a meeting convened by the municipal commissioner after the Bombay High Court directed the BMC to independently resolve the dispute.
Civic and Police Authorities
The BMC relied on a fresh Bhandup Police Inspector’s report warning of severe security and law-and-order concerns, prioritizing public safety.
- Event
- Annual Dahi Handi Utsav
- Venue
- Ashok Kedare Chowk, Bhandup West
- Scheduled date
- September 5, 2026
- Decision-maker
- Prajakta Verma - Lavangare, Municipal Commissioner (I/c.)
- Police assessment
- A September 4 report warned of severe security and law-and-order concerns
- Applicants
- Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Aadhar Shri Swami Samarth Pratishthan
- Final outcome
- Both applications were denied, and no celebration will be permitted at the venue