India: Increased security measures likely nationwide for multiple holidays in October

Heightened security measures are likely 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. 12: The Hindu Navratri/Durga Puja/Dussehra festival is widely celebrated in India with gatherings and fairs at temples and public squares and processions to water bodies for the immersion of idols. While Oct. 12 is a national holiday for the tenth-day Vijayadashami/Dussehra celebrations, states usually declare additional holidays Oct. 12-15. 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. 31: 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 with 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 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 many people traveling to their hometowns for the holidays; re-routing services are also likely during major festive processions Oct. 12.

Most businesses, including banks, will close on national holidays; some may alter business hours on additional state holidays. Officials will likely prohibit the sale of alcohol during Durga Puja celebrations; local establishments along Hindu religious procession routes that serve alcohol and non-vegetarian food are also likely to close voluntarily.