Prohibited items at the snan
Please do not bring or use these at the ghats and in the river during the holy snan. Police may stop you at the entry points.
- Soap, shampoo and detergent in the river
Bathe without soap or shampoo; they pollute the holy Godavari. Use the changing rooms and taps on the ghat if you need them.
- Plastic bags, bottles and thermocol
Single-use plastic is not allowed on the ghats. Carry flowers and offerings in cloth or paper bags.
- Glass bottles and sharp objects
Glass breaks easily in crowds and injures bare feet at the ghats. Leave knives, blades and glass at your stay.
- Alcohol, tobacco and intoxicants
The Mela area is a holy zone. Alcohol, smoking, gutkha and drugs are not allowed and are punishable.
- Firecrackers, kerosene and open fire
Light diyas only at the places marked for aarti. Firecrackers, stoves and kerosene are a fire risk in crowds.
- Drones and loudspeakers without permission
Flying drones and using loudspeakers near the ghats need written permission from the police.
- Jewellery, cash and heavy bags
Leave gold, large amounts of cash and big luggage at your stay. Carry only a small bag you can hold close.
- Throwing offerings, clothes or idols into the river
Put flowers, old clothes and puja material in the nirmalya (offering) bins on the ghats, not in the water.
Last updated 5 Nov 2026
