Navaratri 2026 Hyderabad: Durga Matha Mandap Permission, Online Application and Rules

Quick answer: Sharad Navaratri 2026 begins on Sunday 11 October 2026 with Ghatasthapana and ends on Monday 19 October (Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami). Vijayadashami / Dussehra is on Tuesday 20 October 2026. If you are setting up a public or community Durga Matha mandap in Hyderabad, Cyberabad or Rachakonda limits, submit prior intimation on the official Telangana Police portal as early as possible.

Last updated: 9 October 2026. Rules can change by commissionerate and by local order, so always confirm on the portal and with your local police station before you build.

Thousands of Durga Matha mandaps come up across Hyderabad every Dasara, alongside Telangana's own Bathukamma celebrations and the city's Garba and Dandiya nights. This guide covers how to apply, which documents to keep ready, sound and safety rules, immersion, electricity and practical tips for a peaceful festival. For the nine days of worship, see our Navaratri 2026 dates and nine Devi forms guide.

Why online intimation is mandatory

The Hyderabad City, Cyberabad and Rachakonda police ask mandap organisers to submit their details in advance. The information helps the authorities to:

• plan security and crowd management around each mandap,
• coordinate traffic diversions, especially on procession and immersion days,
• check fire and electrical safety,
• encourage eco-friendly celebrations, and
• keep the festival peaceful and harmonious across neighbourhoods.

Public installations without intimation or permission can be removed, and organisers can face legal action.

How to apply for Durga Matha mandap permission in 2026

Official portal: policeportal.tspolice.gov.in. The process is the same online system used for Ganesh mandaps.

1. Open the Telangana Police portal.
2. Select your commissionerate: Hyderabad City (Old City, Secunderabad and central zones), Cyberabad (Madhapur, Gachibowli, Kukatpally, Miyapur and the IT corridor) or Rachakonda (LB Nagar, Uppal, Malkajgiri, Vanasthalipuram and nearby areas).
3. Verify your mobile number with the OTP.
4. Fill in the intimation form: applicant and committee details with phone numbers, the exact mandap location with landmarks, idol height and material, installation and immersion dates, the volunteer list, and the procession route if any.
5. Upload the required documents.
6. Submit the application and note the reference number.
7. Local police inspect the site. Once approved you receive the permission (often QR-coded). Print it and display it prominently at the mandap.

Apply as early as possible. Late applications risk delays or rejection, and Navaratri begins on 11 October.

Documents to keep ready

• Aadhaar or other ID of the organisers and committee members
• No-objection letter from the owner of the land or premises (private or government)
• Site plan or location sketch of the mandap
• Volunteer names and phone numbers
• Undertaking on sound levels, safety and not obstructing traffic
• Fire-safety arrangements (certificate for larger pandals)
• Electricity connection details (TGSPDCL temporary connection)

The exact checklist can vary slightly between commissionerates, so check the portal for the latest list before you submit.

Rules and guidelines for Navaratri 2026 mandaps

Sound and loudspeakers

• DJ systems, DJ mixers and high-power amplifiers are generally not permitted at mandaps or in religious processions.
• Loudspeakers and microphones are usually restricted to 10 PM, or as per local orders. Box-type speakers are preferred.
• Strict noise limits apply near hospitals, schools, courts and residential areas.
• Silent zones must be fully respected.

Structure and location

• Temporary structures only; no permanent construction.
• Do not completely block roads or footpaths, and keep traffic moving freely.
• Use sturdy materials that can withstand rain, wind and crowds.

Safety measures

• Install CCTV cameras with recording at entry and exit points and parking areas; police often make this a condition of permission.
• Keep fire extinguishers and sand buckets at the mandap.
• Use proper, authorised wiring through a TGSPDCL temporary connection. Illegal hooking is prohibited and dangerous.
• Appoint responsible volunteers and display their phone numbers at the mandap.

Immersion (nimajjanam)

• Use the GHMC-designated immersion points and artificial ponds (baby ponds).
• Following Telangana High Court orders, Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols must not be immersed in natural water bodies such as Hussain Sagar.
• Book crane slots in advance, and inform the police and traffic police of your procession route and timing.

Hyderabad's immersion arrangements follow the same pattern as Ganesh Chaturthi; see our Ganesh nimajjanam highlights from Khairatabad and Balapur.

Electricity for mandaps

In previous years, including Ganesh Navaratri, Telangana has provided free power to authorised mandaps through TGSPDCL. Check the latest TGSPDCL circular for Durga Navaratri 2026, and apply to the electricity department after you have police permission. Unauthorised connections are prohibited.

Tips for a smooth and peaceful Navaratri

• Choose an eco-friendly clay idol.
• Coordinate with neighbouring committees and your local police station.
• Keep emergency numbers handy: dial 112, your local SHO and women's safety helplines.
• Ticketed Garba and Dandiya nights need additional permissions from the police, and sometimes GHMC, especially for sound beyond standard hours.
• Display the permission copy and emergency contacts clearly at the venue.
• Ask devotees to follow traffic rules and avoid overcrowding near the idol.

Navaratri 2026 key dates (Hyderabad)

Dates from Drik Panchang for Hyderabad. See our Navaratri festival hub for daily puja guides.

Where to check the latest rules

• Telangana Police portal for intimation and permission
• The official handles of Hyderabad City Police (@hydcitypolice), Cyberabad Police and Rachakonda Police, and your local police station
• GHMC notifications on immersion points, and TGSPDCL circulars on temporary power

Submit your intimation now if you have not already. Timely compliance means better security arrangements and a peaceful festival for everyone. May Maa Durga bless Hyderabad with peace and prosperity this Navaratri. Jai Mata Di!

Frequently asked questions

Is police permission needed for a Durga Matha mandap in Hyderabad?

Yes. Organisers of public or community Durga idols and mandaps are expected to submit prior intimation through the official Telangana Police portal for their commissionerate (Hyderabad City, Cyberabad or Rachakonda). Unauthorised public installations can be removed or face legal action.

Where do I apply for Navaratri mandap permission in Hyderabad?

Apply online on the Telangana Police portal (policeportal.tspolice.gov.in). Choose your commissionerate, verify your mobile number with an OTP, fill in the mandap details, upload documents and submit. The local police station then inspects the site.

When does Navaratri 2026 start and end in Hyderabad?

Sharad Navaratri 2026 begins with Ghatasthapana on Sunday 11 October and ends on Monday 19 October, when Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami are observed. Vijayadashami (Dussehra) is on Tuesday 20 October 2026 (Drik Panchang, Hyderabad).

Are DJ sound systems allowed at Durga mandaps?

DJ systems and high-power amplifiers are generally not permitted at mandaps and processions. Loudspeakers are usually limited to 10 PM or as per local orders, with strict limits near hospitals, schools, courts and silent zones. Follow the conditions written on your permission.

Can PoP Durga idols be immersed in Hussain Sagar?

No. Following Telangana High Court orders, Plaster of Paris idols must not be immersed in natural lakes such as Hussain Sagar. Use the GHMC-designated immersion points and artificial ponds, and prefer eco-friendly clay idols.

Do Durga mandaps get free electricity in Telangana?

In earlier years Telangana has given free power to authorised festival mandaps through TGSPDCL. Check the latest TGSPDCL circular for Navaratri 2026 and apply for a temporary connection after you obtain police permission. Never hook illegally into power lines.

Editor's note (9 October 2026)

This guide is based on Telangana Police communications and standard Telangana festival guidelines as of early October 2026. Authorities can update the rules at any time; always verify on the official portal and with your local police station before setting up a mandap.