India: Increased security likely nationwide for Hindu and Muslim festival holidays through mid-September

Increased security measures are likely across India through mid-September due to multiple religious holidays, including:

• Sept. 7-17: The annual Ganesh Chaturthi Hindu festival which celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha. 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. Many parts of India celebrate the Ganesh Chaturthi festival with traditional fairs and public installations of the Hindu god Ganesha's idols. Festivities typically conclude with processions to water bodies for the immersion of Ganesha idols, which usually take place on the 10th day of the festival on Sept. 17.

• Sept. 16-17: Nationwide Muslim observance of Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Sept. 16-17 to commemorate the birth of the Muslim prophet Muhammad. Religious prayers and processions will likely take place at public squares and major intersections throughout urban centers.

Authorities have already increased security in certain cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru in Karnataka State, and Mumbai in Maharashtra State. Associated safety measures, such as road closures and an increased security personnel deployment, are likely near religious venues and where larger gatherings occur nationwide through Sept. 17. Clashes may also occur between religious groups during these holidays. Hindu-Muslim skirmishes are more likely along Ganesh Chaturthi procession routes that pass Muslim-majority areas; violence has previously erupted in parts of Tamil Nadu and Telangana states. Localized clashes could also occur between Shi'a and Sunni Muslims during Eid Milad-Un-Nabi processions, mainly in Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Mumbai. Increased opportunistic crime, such as theft, could occur at festive gatherings. Stampedes due to overcrowding cannot be ruled out.

Significant travel delays are possible, especially in urban centers. Authorities will likely enforce road closures, traffic diversions, and heavy vehicle restrictions around important worship venues and routes to immersion points. Increased congestion is likely along major roadways and ground shipping may be temporarily affected, especially along Mumbai-Goa Highway and Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Business disruptions are also likely as retailers close and/or curtail their hours of operation through Sept. 17.