No Electricity Bills for Ganesh Pandals: Andhra Pradesh Announces Free Power for Festival
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced that it will provide free electricity supply to all Ganesh pandals across the state for the upcoming Vinayaka Chaturthi festival. Minister for Education, IT, and Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh officially confirmed the decision on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced that it will provide free electricity supply to all Ganesh pandals across the state for the upcoming Vinayaka Chaturthi festival. Minister for Education, IT, and Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh officially confirmed the decision on Wednesday, Sept. 9, stating that the initiative aims to support local committees and community groups in organizing public celebrations without facing a heavy financial burden.
The state government has instructed power distribution companies to streamline the provision of temporary electricity connections for temporary festival structures in both urban and rural areas. Organizers setting up pandals will be exempted from standard power charges for the duration of the multi-day festival, extending a financial relief measure that the administration previously implemented during major religious celebrations. Ganesh Visarjan 2026: Date, Anant Chaturdashi Tithi and Ganpati Immersion Muhurat Time.
To streamline administrative procedures, the state administration has also integrated an online single-window portal (ganeshutsav.net) for pandal clearances. Organizers comprising five or more members can complete zero-cost registrations online to obtain designated police and municipal safety permissions, which will be verified using a unique QR code posted at each site. Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Date, Shubh Muhurat for Ganpati Sthapana and Puja Timings by City.
The initiative is designed to alleviate financial pressures on regional event committees that heavily rely on local community donations to finance festive lighting, security setups, and public facilities. State officials emphasized that public safety regulations, proper electrical wiring standards, and local sound guidelines will remain strictly enforced across all temporary pandal sites during the festival.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 09, 2026 02:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).