India: Authorities tightening security nationwide for multiple holidays in October

Event

Authorities have heightened security across India for multiple holidays across India in October. Upcoming national holidays include:

• Oct. 2: Gandhi Jayanti commemorates the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. Official events typically occur at government buildings. Various civil, political, and labor groups usually demonstrate over grievances, mainly in urban centers.

• Oct. 5: The Hindu Navratri/Durga Puja/Dussehra festival is widely celebrated in India with gatherings and fairs at temples and public squares, as well as processions to water bodies for immersion of idols. While Oct. 5 is a national holiday for the tenth-day Vijayadashami/Dussehra celebrations, states usually declare additional holidays Oct. 2-5. Tens of thousands of Hindus typically gather at important worship sites related to the festival, mainly in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and Tripura states. Well-attended celebrations graced by important dignitaries will also happen at Delhi's Ramlila Ground and Red Fort Oct. 5.

• Oct. 9: The birthday of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad is a national holiday. The date may change according to lunar sighting. Religious processions are common; large attendance and communal unrest are most probable in areas with significant Muslim populations.

• Oct. 24: The Hindu festival of Deepavali usually involves religious and social gatherings. Altercations and/or protests may occur if police attempt to enforce firecracker bans in Delhi and other areas with such rules.

Officials usually bolster security nationwide around holidays as a precaution, mainly due to the persisting threat of militant attacks by domestic and international Islamist groups. Security personnel typically monitor possible target sites, including religious buildings, procession routes, transport hubs, and crowded public places like shopping malls and fairs. Land and coastal border security units may also intensify vigilance to prevent infiltration from Pakistan. Security arrangements are unlikely to affect multinational business interests unless militants stage any significant attacks.

Although significant unrest is unlikely, violence may break out between religious groups during major religious holidays. Hindu-Muslim confrontations are more likely along procession routes that pass Muslim-majority areas. Localized clashes could also occur between worship groups affiliated to rival political parties, mainly in West Bengal State. Skirmishes are possible if police disperse unruly crowds. Increased opportunistic crime, such as theft, could take place at large gatherings. Stampedes due to overcrowding are also possible.

Severe travel delays are likely, especially in urban centers during religious processions. Authorities will probably enforce road closures, traffic diversions, and heavy vehicle restrictions around prominent worship venues and along procession routes. Increased congestion is probable on open roads; ground shipping may be temporarily affected. Officials have introduced additional train and bus services to alleviate congestion caused by the large numbers of people traveling to their hometowns for the holidays; re-routing of services is also likely during major festive processions Oct. 5.

Most businesses, including banks, will close on national holiday dates; some may alter business hours on additional state holiday dates. Officials will prohibit the sale of alcohol nationwide Oct. 2, and in most states Oct. 5; local establishments along Hindu religious procession routes that serve alcohol and non-vegetarian food are also likely to close voluntarily.

Advice

Exercise caution around religious venues and other sites commonly identified as potential militant targets. Confirm business appointments, deliveries, road status, and transport reservations during holiday periods. Allow additional travel time and plan for alternative travel and shipment routes. Carry identification documents to present at security checks; heed all official instructions.