India: Country to observe annual Ganesh Chaturthi Hindu festival Aug. 31-Sept. 9

Event

India will observe the annual Ganesh Chaturthi Hindu festival Aug. 31-Sept. 9. While celebrated across the country, the largest gatherings are likely to occur in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana states, as well as Delhi. On Aug. 31, banks will be closed in several cities, including Ahmedabad, Gujarat State; Balapur, Mumbai, and Nagpur, Maharashtra State; Bhubaneswar, Odisha State; Chennai, Tamil Nadu State; Hyderabad, Telangana State; and Panaji, Goa State.

Authorities have already increased security in certain cities, such as Bengaluru, Karnataka State. Associated safety measures, such as road closures and an increased security personnel deployment, are likely where larger gatherings occur nationwide through Sept. 9. Clashes are possible following the Aug. 30 incident where police detained 13 individuals amid communal skirmishes in the Panigate neighborhood of Vadodara, Gujarat State, during a religious procession.

Localized transport disruptions will almost certainly occur within the vicinity of larger religious congregations and events. Significant traffic congestion is likely along major roadways as residents travel for the festival, particularly along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Goa Highway. Business disruptions are also likely as retailers close and/or curtail their hours of operation through Sept. 9.

Advice

Exercise caution near festival venues, places of worship, and other crowded event sites. If violence breaks out, depart immediately and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Confirm all business and travel appointments through Sept. 9. Be on alert for the heightened risk of petty theft and watch personal possessions closely. Heed all official security and travel advisories.