BMC Opens Single-Window Portal for Ganeshotsav Mandal Permissions Till Sept 13

The BMC has launched a digital single-window platform that lets Sarvajanik (public) Ganeshotsav mandals apply for civic permission along with combined No-Objection Certificates from the local and traffic police in one process. Applications opened on 14 August and close on 13 September 2026, through the BMC's 'For Citizens - Pandal' facility, with permissions valid until 26 September.

Why this concerns housing societies

Many housing societies in Mumbai host or permit a Sarvajanik Ganpati mandal on society land, in the compound, or on an adjoining plot during the ten-day festival (14-24 September 2026 this year). Where the pandal sits on land belonging to the society, the mandal organisers must first obtain the society's own permission before applying to the BMC, and the managing committee should keep a signed record of that consent.

What the process requires

• First-time applicants using public or private land, including society premises, need approval from the zonal deputy commissioner before the ward office issues permission, on payment of a Rs 100 fee.
• Mandals with an existing five-year permission can renew online, but the ward office will first carry out a physical site verification against the approved location and area.
• Mandals that held a one-year permission in 2025 can either renew for 2026 alone or apply afresh for a five-year permission covering 2026-30.
• Two volunteers from each public mandal must complete a one-day BMC training on crowd management, fire safety and first aid.
• Pandal installation cannot involve excavating roads or footpaths; non-invasive methods are required, with action threatened against violators.

Managing committees allowing a mandal on society property should confirm the mandal has applied within the window and completed the mandatory volunteer safety training, since fire-safety and licensing compliance ultimately affects the safety of residents and the society's own liability. Societies planning to apply for Navratri pandal permissions separately should note that window runs from 10 September to 10 October, with permissions valid till 21 October.