These restrictions protect you, your fellow pilgrims and the sacred Godavari. Security checks will be carried out at entry points to the Mela area and the ghats, and prohibited items may be seized. Please leave these items at home or at your accommodation.
Prohibited
| Category | Item |
|---|---|
| Weapons and dangerous items | Firearms and ammunition |
| Knives, swords and other sharp or bladed objects | |
| Iron rods, lathis and similar items that could be used as weapons | |
| Toy or replica guns | |
| Explosives and firecrackers | |
| Fire hazards | Petrol, kerosene and other inflammable liquids |
| Gas cylinders and stoves (in crowd and ghat areas) | |
| Open fires outside designated areas | |
| Sky lanterns | |
| Intoxicants | Alcohol |
| Drugs, narcotics and other intoxicants | |
| Tobacco, gutka and cigarettes (at ghats and temple areas) | |
| Plastic and thermocol | Plastic carry bags of any kind |
| Thermocol plates, cups and spoons | |
| Plastic cutlery and straws | |
| Plastic water pouches and bottles under 200 ml | |
| Plastic or thermocol decorations | |
| River pollution | Soap, shampoo and detergent for use in the river |
| Idols, photo frames, or offerings wrapped in plastic, for immersion in the river | |
| Old clothes, garbage or waste for disposal in the river | |
| Equipment | Drones (without Police permission) |
| Loudspeakers and PA systems (without permission) | |
| Laser pointers | |
| Crowd hazards | Glass bottles and containers |
| Large suitcases and trolley bags (at ghats and crowd zones) | |
| Tents or bedding on roads, bridges and ghat steps | |
| Pets and animals (in crowd areas) |
Not Advised
- Jewellery and expensive valuables
- Large amounts of cash
- Umbrellas in dense crowds (use a raincoat instead)
- Heavy bags and unnecessary luggage
- Selfie sticks and tripods at ghats
- Footwear that slips on wet surfaces