Mumbai Suburban Collector Permits Loudspeakers Until Midnight on Four Ganpati Days

Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav mandals in Mumbai will be permitted to use loudspeakers and amplifiers until midnight on four immersion days during the 2026 festival, according to an order issued by the Mumbai Suburban Collector.

As per the notification dated February 2, 2026, the four immersion dates granted the extension from 6:00 AM to 12:00 midnight are September 15, September 18, September 19, and September 25. The festival is scheduled to begin on September 14, 2026. The notification does not extend midnight loudspeaker permissions to the remaining days of the festival period.

The permission has been issued in accordance with Section 5(3) of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. The rule permits the use of loudspeakers and sound amplifiers in non-enclosed spaces—such as areas outside auditoriums, mass halls, and banquet facilities—for religious and cultural events between 6:00 AM and 12:00 midnight for up to 15 designated days across the calendar year, which includes these four festival dates.

The exemption comes with strict regulatory riders. The notification specifies that organisers must adhere to the prescribed sound thresholds established under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. Mandals must also ensure that all directives and orders issued by the Bombay High Court concerning noise pollution are strictly followed.

Additionally, the administration clarified that the relaxation will not apply to designated peace zones identified by the government, and noise output must remain within the limits outlined by the Union Ministry. Ganpati mandals usually witness large gatherings of devotees participating in immersion processions, and the midnight allowance enables them to conduct cultural and religious programmes within the framework of the specified norms.