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Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how MahaUtsav (https://utsav.nearestu.com) collects, uses and protects information when you visit the website or use a mandal account.
1. Information we collect
Mandal account information. When a mandal registers we collect the mandal name, address, city, festival, contact and WhatsApp number, email address (optional), the names and numbers of committee members you choose to add, and the photos you upload (logo, cover, posts and stories).
Login security data. Your password and your password hint are stored only as one-way hashes. We cannot read them. We use them to log you in and to verify you if you forget your password.
Content you publish. Captions, photos, stories, event schedules and the Instagram Reel links you add.
Visitor statistics. To understand how the website is used we count page views and visitors. We store a random visitor ID in your browser and your device type (mobile, desktop or tablet). We do not collect your name, and we do not build advertising profiles.
Technical data. Standard server logs such as IP address, browser type and request time, kept for security and troubleshooting.
2. How we use information
- To create and run mandal accounts and show the content they publish.
- To keep accounts secure, prevent misuse and enforce our Terms & Conditions.
- To show real statistics to the website administrator.
- To improve the speed, design and reliability of the website.
- To respond to your questions.
We do not sell your personal information.
3. Cookies and local storage
We do not use advertising cookies. The website stores a few small items in your browser (local storage) so that it works properly: your login session, your chosen language, a random visitor ID for statistics, the "add to home screen" reminder and whether you finished the welcome guide. You can clear them any time in your browser settings; you may then need to log in again.
4. Third-party services
- Google Maps links open directions in Google's service.
- Google Fonts may be loaded to display text. Google receives your IP address when fonts are requested.
- Instagram reels you or a mandal add are shown with Instagram's embed, which may set its own cookies.
- WhatsApp links open WhatsApp when you tap them.
- Hosting provider stores the website files and data.
These services have their own privacy policies.
5. Google and API integrations
We use Google services only to provide the feature you request, such as opening a mandal location in Maps. We do not share your account information with Google and we do not use Google user data for advertising.
6. Public information
Anything a mandal publishes (profile, posts, stories, contact number, address, schedule) is public and can be seen, shared and indexed by search engines. Please do not post personal information you want to keep private.
7. Notifications and camera permission
If you allow notifications, we use them only to tell you about updates you asked for. If you allow camera access, it is used only to take a photo for a post or story, which is uploaded only when you press publish. You can change these permissions in your browser or phone settings.
8. Data retention
Stories are removed from the website after 24 hours. Posts and profile information stay until you or an administrator delete them. Visitor statistics are kept in summary form. You can ask us to delete your account and content at any time.
9. Security
We use hashed passwords, rate limiting, restricted uploads and access controls. No system is perfectly secure, so please use a strong password and keep it private.
10. Children
The platform is not meant for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their personal information. Please do not post identifiable photos of children without a parent's or guardian's permission.
11. Your choices and rights
You may view and edit your mandal details from your dashboard, change your password, delete posts and stories, and ask us to delete your account or correct your data. Contact us using the details below. We follow the applicable laws of India, including the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
12. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy. The date at the top of the page shows the latest update. Material changes will be shown on the website.
13. Contact
For privacy questions or requests, contact us at the contact details published on our website or the contact details published on our website.