India, May 10 -- Starting May 11, Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi will prohibit devotees from bringing coconuts, garlands, and other traditional offerings such as prasad into its premises, citing heightened security concerns.

The decision, based on an advisory issued by the Mumbai police, aims to mitigate the risk of explosives being concealed in coconuts or among offerings. Temple authorities confirmed that the ban would be formally announced on Sunday and take immediate effect thereafter.

"We received a security advisory from the police recommending a halt to coconut and flower offerings inside the temple," said Bhaskar Shetty, a trustee of the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust. "While we understand the religious significance of ...