Thane Police have prohibited people from photographing, publishing or circulating images of Ganesh idols that remain partially dissolved or float in water after visarjan, citing the possibility of hurt religious sentiments and disruption to public peace and social harmony.
The order was issued by Parag Manere, Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Special Branch of the Thane City Police Commissionerate. It will remain in force across the commissionerate’s jurisdiction from September 15 to October 4, 2026.
The restriction applies to images of idols seen floating on the surface of water or washed up along the banks after immersion. Police have also included photographs taken while municipal workers collect such idols after visarjan. The order prohibits not only taking these photographs but also publishing or transmitting them.
The police said some Ganesh idols do not dissolve completely after immersion. Partially dissolved idols may subsequently be seen along the edges of water bodies or floating in lakes and other immersion locations. According to the order, photographs of these scenes could hurt religious sentiments and create a risk to public peace and social harmony.
The restriction covers the period during which Ganesh and Gauri idols will be immersed on several designated days. The listed immersion dates are September 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 25. In addition, idols associated with longer observances are scheduled for immersion on September 26, marking the 13th day, and October 4, marking the 21st day.
The order comes as Thane’s police and municipal authorities prepare to manage multiple immersion days, including the handling of idols that remain in or return from water bodies after the ritual. The directive places the photography and circulation of such images within the scope of preventive public-order action during the festival period.
Police said violations would invite action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The order will continue to apply until October 4, covering the final listed immersion date for 21-day Ganesh idols.
