The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) directs Ganesh festival mandals and advertisers to avoid obstructive advertisements on Mumbai roads and pavements during Ganpati and Navratri. The move is aimed at keeping pedestrian movement and traffic flow unobstructed during periods when large crowds are expected.
According to the BMC, the “Pedestrian First” campaign underpins the decision, with a focus on safer, more accessible footpaths and roads. Mandals are told not to display advertisements that block pedestrians or traffic. Sources also say the guidelines restrict promotions of gutkha and tobacco products or other prohibited goods, and emphasize that any advertising should not compromise the religious and social character of public festivals.
The BMC also lays out where certain advertisements may be placed, including commercial messages on vertical sections of traditional entrance gates and “welcome” text on the upper section. Digital screens may be used for specified health, public-interest, or commercial messaging, but only after obtaining the required No Objection Certificates from the Traffic Department and local police. The rules require boards to be removed by mandals during the festival period and no later than the day after immersion, with enforcement planned to be strict.
