Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Mumbai Civic Body Tightens Advertising Rules Before Major Festivals
Mumbai expects many people to attend Ganeshotsav and Navratri celebrations.
The city’s civic body wants pedestrians to be able to walk safely.
It warned festival groups and advertisers not to block footpaths or roads.
Gutkha, tobacco and other prohibited-product advertisements are not allowed.
Donor advertisements can be placed on certain parts of traditional festival gates.
The top part of a gate can welcome devotees.
Digital screens can be used only with permission from traffic officials and local police.
Festival groups must remove their advertising boards by the day after immersion.
The BMC warned festival mandals and advertisers not to obstruct pedestrians or traffic with commercial advertisements and hoardings.
The guidelines apply as large crowds are expected in Mumbai for Ganeshotsav and the upcoming Navratri festival.
Advertisements promoting gutkha, tobacco products and other prohibited goods are barred from mandal displays.
Donor advertisements may appear on the vertical sections of traditional entrance gates, while the upper sections may carry a welcome message.
Digital screens up to 10 feet by 10 feet require approval from the Traffic Department and local police, and mandals must remove all boards after the festivities.
- Who
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, led in this effort by civic chief Ashwini Bhide, along with festival mandals and advertisers.
- What
- The BMC issued rules limiting festival advertisements and hoardings that could obstruct pedestrians or traffic.
- When
- The rules apply during Ganeshotsav and the upcoming Navratri festival, with removal required by the day after immersion at the latest.
- Where
- Mumbai, including its roads, footpaths and festival venues.
- Why
- To support the BMC’s “Pedestrian First” campaign and keep public festivals from compromising pedestrian movement and safety.
- Civic authority
- BMC
- Festivals covered
- Ganeshotsav and the upcoming Navratri festival
- Prohibited advertising
- Gutkha, tobacco products and other prohibited goods
- Digital screen limit
- Up to 10 feet by 10 feet
- Required permissions
- No Objection Certificates from the Traffic Department and the local police station
- Removal deadline
- During the festival period and no later than the day after immersion
- Campaign
- Pedestrian First