Mumbai's Iconic Maha Pookalam At CSMT Cancelled This Year After Railways Deny Permission Over Security Concerns

Mumbai: The annual Maha Pookalam, the traditional floral carpet created at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) during Onam, will not be held this year after the Railways denied permission citing security concerns.

Railways cite security restrictions

The event, organised by the All Mumbai Malayalee Association (AMMA) since 2015, had become a prominent feature of Mumbai’s Onam celebrations, adding festivity to one of the city’s busiest railway stations. The organisers said they had approached Railway authorities seeking permission but were informed that the event could not be permitted this year in view of the prevailing security situation.

Dr Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer, Central Railway, said the denial was linked to the imposition of Section 144 of the CrPC in the area following a Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh protest held a few months ago in front of the motormen’s lobby at the station.

Floral carpet attracted thousands