Ganpati Visarjan 2025: Pune Police ban filming, sharing visuals of idol immersion - Reason is crucial

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In a significant move to maintain public order, the Pune Police has issued a ban on the filming and circulation of videos and photographs of immersed Ganesh idols. The prohibition, which is in effect until 15 September, was implemented to prevent any potential hurt to religious sentiments, according to an official statement.

The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), explicitly warns that sharing visuals of idols submerged in natural water bodies or artificial tanks could disturb the peace. The FPJ report confirms that violators will face prosecution under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

This directive comes alongside a comprehensive set of guidelines for the annual Ganpati immersion procession, scheduled for tomorrow. In a notable change, police authorities have decided to commence the procession two hours earlier than in previous years.

The Pune Police Commissioner’s Office has laid out a meticulous timetable for the city’s revered Manache Ganpatis (prominent idols). The procession will see a strict adherence to sequence and timing.

The Kasba Ganpati, the first of the five, will begin its journey from Tilak Putla in Mandai at 9.30 am. It is scheduled to reach Belbaug Chowk by 10.15 am before joining the main route via Laxmi Road.

Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati will join the procession directly behind the Kasba Ganpati from Belbaug Chowk at approximately 10.30 am. The Guruji Talim Ganpati is planned to halt at Belbaug Chowk for a 10-minute gulal ceremony and a 15-minute aarti before integrating into the main procession at 11 am.

As per FPJ, the final two Manache Ganpatis – from Tulshibaug and Kesariwada – along with all other participating mandals, are expected to proceed via Laxmi Road from Belbaug Chowk by 12 noon. This revised schedule marks a departure from tradition, where processions typically began between 11 and 11.30 am.

Further guidelines impose strict limits on the accompanying celebrations. The police have mandated that no distance will be maintained between processions of different mandals and no group will be permitted to break the pre-decided sequence.

In a move to manage the scale and sound of the event, each mandal is restricted to a maximum of two dhol-tasha troupes. Crucially, each troupe is capped at 60 members. Additionally, in a significant restriction, each Ganesh mandal must choose between having either a dhol-tasha troupe or a sound system; they will not be permitted to have both.