Pune DJ Row Spurs Calls for Traditional Ganeshotsav and Stricter Noise Enforcement

What do existing noise pollution rules say, and why are activists alleging that these norms are not being effectively enforced? How high do noise levels rise during Ganeshotsav, and what action have the Maharashtra government and authorities taken to curb excessive noise?

Mumbai: Ahead of Ganeshotsav, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has compared the sound generated by DJ systems to that of an earthquake and urged people to celebrate the festival in a traditional manner.Speaking to reporters in Pune on Friday, Fadnavis said, “The noise generated from a DJ system is similar to the noise of an earthquake. I am of the view that people must be taken into confidence and consensus should be reached on how to celebrate the Ganpati festival in a traditional manner.” Fadnavis further emphasised that the joy of celebrating festivals increases when they are observed traditionally, even as the use of DJ systems during festivities has grown in recent years.As Ganeshotsav DJ Row Continues, Pune Has 121 Notified Areas Under Maharashtra Noise Pollution Rules - Full List Here“To do away with such practices, there is a need to build consensus by holding dialogue among all stakeholders,” the chief minister said.Mumbai Police reiterate no-DJ ruleMeanwhile, Mumbai Police has reiterated restrictions on the use of DJs during the festival, citing the Bombay High Court's 2018 directions. Officials said strict enforcement would help curb noise pollution across the city.According to police, none of the city's major Ganpati mandals has so far sought clearance to use DJ systems during the festival.To strengthen enforcement, decibel meters will be provided to police personnel deployed at key locations, including Lalbaug, Girgaon and Juhu Chowpatty.Police warn of action“The permissible noise level is 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night. Anybody violating these parameters will be booked,” an officer said.Mumbai This Weekend: From Krishna Bhajan Jamming & Dahi Handi Celebrations To Ganpati Making Workshops, Check Out These EventsPolice officials noted that noise levels during festivals can significantly exceed permissible limits, sometimes reaching between 90 and 120 dB.Officials also warned that Ganpati mandals found violating noise-related guidelines could face consequences during the following year's celebrations.“If we find Ganpati mandals violating the guidelines, we may withhold permission for them to celebrate the festival next year,” an officer said.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/ 

Pune: With restrictions and uncertainty over the use of sound systems ahead of Ganeshotsav, the Pune District Sound System Owners Association has urged the administration to frame clear and uniform rules instead of imposing a blanket ban. The association, while addressing the press on Tuesday, said it is ready to follow all government regulations but wants authorities to also consider the livelihood of thousands dependent on the seasonal business.Association president Ganesh Kalbhor and vice-president Sagar Sutar addressed a press conference and said sound system operators have already suffered losses due to the restrictions and the prevailing uncertainty. They said the industry provides employment to nearly 30,000 people and operates mainly during the festive season.'We have supported all the rules' “We have supported all the rules and regulations issued by the administration. We are ready to follow the prescribed noise limits and timings. We have invested crores of rupees in sound systems, but because of the current situation, equipment worth crores is lying unused and bookings have also been affected,” Kalbhor said.‘Pune’s Law & Order Has Completely Collapsed’: NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule Urges CM Devendra Fadnavis To Pay Attention'One clear set of rules...' The association said it does not oppose action against operators violating prescribed norms. However, it demanded that “one clear set of rules be implemented uniformly for all mandals”. It also suggested that police personnel be deployed at locations where competitions between mandals lead to an increase in sound levels.'This could leave us without food' Sutar warned that strict action affecting the livelihood of operators and workers could have serious consequences. “If our demands are not met and strict action affects our daily income and families, we may be forced to stop the business. This could leave us without food and create severe mental distress, including suicidal thoughts or the possibility of taking extreme steps. I urge the government, Pune Municipal Corporation and the Pune Police Commissioner to rethink the decisions while keeping our struggles in mind,” he said.The association said it will seek an appointment with Vidyanand Bapat, the man who has become associated with a campaign against DJs, and meet him to present its concerns. It will also observe the response of Pune residents and those opposing sound systems until the Dahi Handi event. If restrictions and opposition continue thereafter, the association said it would take its protest to the streets.Pune: Police Unaware For Nearly A Day As Seven Pistols Stolen From Bundgarden Property Room, All Recovered The association has demanded reconsideration of restrictions, uniform noise and timing norms, coordination with Ganesh mandals and joint awareness campaigns with the administration on the responsible use of sound systems.Sutar said, “If its demands remain unaddressed, members will stage a protest post-Dahi Handi if the demands are not met and if the protest by a few Punekars continues against DJs and sound systems. If we are not protesting or taking any severe steps, we don’t want anyone to protest now, as we are agreeing to the rules.”

Mumbai, September 1, 2026: At a time Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to Punekars to celebrate the upcoming 10-day Ganpati festival in a 'traditional and cultural manner' amid the protest in Pune to ban DJs and excessive sound systems causing noise pollution, there is no formal appeal for Mumbai. The sarvajanik Ganpati mandals are prepared to celebrate the festival in fervour, with sound systems playing as every year.Loudspeakers Permitted On Visarjan DaysIn Mumbai, the sarvajanik mandals have permission to play loudspeakers and amplifiers from 6 am to 12 midnight on four Ganpati visarjan days — September 15, 18, 19 and 25. The notification was issued by Mumbai City and Suburban Collector in February 2026 and remains valid.A member of a sarvajanik Ganpati Mandal in Mumbai said, "We have not heard of any appeal for Mumbaikars to not play DJs or music systems. We will continue with our annual tradition to play music, dance and enjoy Ganesha's arrival and immersion procedures. However, we will ensure to end processions by 12 midnight and stay within decibel limits," the member said, who did not wish to be named.Mandal Leaders Urge Decibel ComplianceBrihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganpati Mandal Samanvay Samiti's head Naresh Dahibavkar said, "In Mumbai, it is since 2012 that sarvajanik mandals have permission to play loudspeakers till 12 midnight on visarjan days. As per noise pollution control norms, the decibel limit till 10 pm should be below 55 dB and from 10 pm to 12 midnight should be below 45 dB. We always urge the mandal karyakartas to avoid playing DJs as its sound is excessive and crosses decibel limits, which not only causes noise pollution but in return can attract police action against them. Instead we appeal to the members to play dhol-tashas and celebrate in traditional way."However, Dahibavkar said that several Ganpati Mandal karyakartas ignore the appeal and play loud music.Also Watch: Ganeshotsav 2026: Maharashtra Govt Announces Best Ganesh Mandal Competition With Prizes Up To ₹7.5 LakhMumbaikars Expect Annual PracticeKapil Mhapsekar, member of Sahyog Mitra Mandal in Chembur, said, "There is no appeal or any new announcement for Mumbai on playing loudspeakers. We get police permission every year to use loudspeakers on visarjan day till midnight. We ensure our society Ganpati visarjan procession ends within the given time limit and use banjo for children to dance. The noise remains within permitted limits."To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

PUNE: Amid the ongoing debate over the use of DJs during festivals, members of Ganesh mandals, political groups and festival organisers on Sunday came out in support of allowing DJs in Pune, provided they follow prescribed noise limits and other regulations.The support came against the backdrop of protests held at Goodluck Chowk and Abhinav Chowk in the city on Sunday, where citizens raised concerns over the use of loud music and DJs during festivals. Those supporting DJs, however, said a complete ban was not the answer and called for strict regulation instead.Swapnil Nayak, a member of the Pune Ganesh Mandal Committee, said Ganeshotsav is an important part of Pune’s cultural identity and music has traditionally contributed to the festive atmosphere.“We are not asking for an unrestricted or lawless use of DJs. We want DJs and sound systems to be allowed within the prescribed noise limits and according to the rules laid down by the authorities. A complete ban is not the solution,” he said.Pune Sees Rainfall Dip In August; Light Showers Forecast In Coming Days Nayak said music during Ganesh mandal programmes and immersion processions helped bring people together and added energy to celebrations. However, he stressed that there should be a clear distinction between responsible use of a DJ and excessive noise.“If the administration fixes a permissible decibel limit, timing and equipment standards, mandals should follow them strictly. There should be proper monitoring rather than an assumption that every DJ automatically means noise pollution,” Nayak said.He also raised concerns about the impact of a blanket ban on people dependent on the sound industry. According to him, DJ operators, sound-system owners, technicians, transporters and other workers depend on festival bookings for their livelihood.Hemant Sambhus, from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Pune, also opposed a blanket ban, saying music and sound were an integral part of public celebrations.“Our position is not that anyone should be allowed to play music at any volume or at any time. The law must be followed. But the solution to violations by some people cannot be to completely stop an entire industry,” he said.FDA Withdraws Cipla Pune Licence Cancellation After Bombay HC Rebuke Sambhus said the administration should announce clear rules in advance regarding permissible sound levels, timings and equipment. He said action should be taken against those violating the rules rather than restricting DJ operators who comply with them.“The DJ and sound industry is not just about entertainment. There are thousands of people whose income is connected to this work,” Sambhus said. He also stressed that festivals such as Ganeshotsav and Dahi Handi provided seasonal employment to several people associated with the industry.Aniket Shankar Deshmane, Utsav Pramukh of Akhil Deccan Gymkhana Dahi Handi Utsav and a member of the Ganesh Utsav and Dahi Handi Utsav Samanvay-Kruti Samiti, Pune City, supported regulated use of DJs.He said festivals were social and cultural occasions that brought people from different sections of society together.“We support the use of DJs, provided they are operated within the law and within prescribed sound limits. Our objection is specifically to the idea of a complete ban,” Deshmane said.Deshmane said authorities should regulate volume, timings and equipment instead of imposing a blanket prohibition. He also highlighted the economic impact on young people and small businesses involved in the DJ and sound-system sector.Pune Crime: Three Booked For Assault & Casteist Abuse During Housing Society Meeting In Dighi Deshmane said those supporting DJs should also accept responsibility for following the rules. He said, “If someone deliberately crosses the prescribed limits, the authorities should take action against that particular violation.”The three representatives said Pune needed a balance between maintaining the festive atmosphere and protecting residents from unreasonable noise. They called for uniform enforcement of clear rules, arguing that DJs who comply with prescribed limits should be allowed to operate during Ganeshotsav and other festivals.

Pune: As the debate over the use of high-decibel DJs during religious festivals intensifies in Pune, citizens from the city’s Peth areas and other parts gathered at Goodluck Chowk and Abhinav Chowk on Saturday to protest against excessive noise generated by DJs, amplifiers, additional sound systems and extended speakers.The protesters made it clear that their opposition was not to any religion, caste, community or festival, but to what they described as the growing culture of extremely loud music during public celebrations.The protest at Abhinav Chowk began at 10.30 am, while citizens gathered at Goodluck Chowk from 11 am. Around 250-300 Punekars participated in the protest. Of them, 170-190 signed a sheet of paper that will be submitted to the Commissioner of Police, stating their opposition to DJs. Participants said celebrations should be allowed, but not at the cost of residents’ peace and well-being.Pune Sees Rainfall Dip In August; Light Showers Forecast In Coming Days ‘Why should an entire neighbourhood suffer?’Pallavi Kumar, a protester at Goodluck Chowk, said, “We are not against any religion, community, caste or festival. People have every right to celebrate their festivals. Our objection is only to the unbearable noise created by DJs, additional sound systems, amplifiers and extended speakers. Why should celebrating a festival mean that the entire neighbourhood has to suffer from extremely loud sound?”Sunil Gawade, another protester, questioned the nature of the music played during such celebrations. “Many times, what is being played on these DJs has nothing to do with the festival or the deity being worshipped. Bollywood and Hollywood songs are played simply for entertainment, with massive sound systems and amplifiers. If the purpose is religious celebration, why does the celebration need deafening music and songs that have no connection with the festival?” he said. ‘Is enforcement of noise rules too much to ask?’Yogesh Sarpotdar, a resident of Shaniwar Peth who participated in the Goodluck Chowk protest, questioned the government’s enforcement of existing noise regulations. He said, “The government needs to decide what it actually wants: peaceful festivals or a competition over who can play the loudest DJ. There are already noise rules in place, so why are ordinary citizens forced to repeatedly raise the same issue? Why is enforcement so weak when the consequences are faced by residents, children, senior citizens and working people?”Rudra, a science student who participated in the protest, said the issue should not be reduced to a difference in musical preferences. He said, “This is not just about whether someone likes music or does not like music. Extremely loud DJ sound affects people who live nearby and those who have to work, study or sleep. We want festivals to remain celebrations, but celebrations should not come at the cost of another person’s peace, health and right to live without excessive noise. People also get deaf after the loud sound hits their ears and many have suffered heart attacks. Why should someone play music or tracks at such extreme levels that can destroy someone else’s life?”Congress Calls For Traditional Instruments During Pune Ganeshotsav, Opposes DJs ‘Celebrate, but don’t turn it into suffering’At Abhinav Chowk, 76-year-old Dhruva Patil said protesters were seeking a balance between the right to celebrate and the right of residents to peace. “Our message is very clear: celebrate, but celebrate without creating unbearable noise. Nobody is asking anyone to stop celebrating their religion. We are only asking that additional sound systems, amplifiers and extremely loud DJs should not be used to turn a public celebration into a source of suffering for everyone around it,” Patil said. ‘I have seen Pune’s festival culture change’For Tejas Kadam, 78, who participated in the protest at Goodluck Chowk, the debate over DJs is also a debate about how Pune’s traditional festival culture has changed over the decades.Kadam, who has witnessed the transformation of Pune’s Peth areas over the years, said celebrations in the city were once centred around community participation, devotion and traditional forms of music rather than the volume of sound systems.“I have seen Pune and its Peth areas change in front of my eyes. I have seen Ganeshotsav being celebrated here for decades. In the old days, the festival was about bringing people together, visiting Ganpati mandals, listening to bhajans, aarti, dhol-tasha and taking part in the traditions of the city. There was excitement, there was devotion and there was celebration, but there was also a sense of discipline and respect for the people living around us,” Kadam said.According to him, the problem has emerged with the increasing dependence on powerful sound systems. “Today, I feel we have slowly changed the meaning of celebration. The problem is not Ganeshotsav, and it is certainly not any religion. The problem is the culture of extremely loud DJs, powerful amplifiers and additional sound systems that have come into these celebrations. I have lived long enough to know that DJs and these huge sound systems were never the foundation of Pune’s Ganeshotsav. The festival existed for generations before this culture came in. The songs played during festivals also make no sense because they do not relate to the core values of the festive celebration and atmosphere. Songs played on loudspeakers and DJs are just for fun and youngsters’ enjoyment. If this continues, the core value and meaning of every festival will start vanishing,” he said.Kadam said the impact of excessive sound was being felt inside people’s homes. “Today, sometimes the volume becomes so high that you cannot have a normal conversation inside your own house. Elderly people, children, patients, students and working people have to bear it. And what is being played? Many times, the songs have no connection with Ganpati or the festival at all. Bollywood and other entertainment songs are played simply to make the crowd dance and create more excitement. If this is about devotion and tradition, why does the sound have to be so loud?” he said. ‘What kind of Pune do we want to leave behind?’Kadam also questioned the authorities over how celebrations can be regulated without hurting religious sentiments.“I am asking our government and our administration one simple question: Can we not celebrate our festivals with happiness without disturbing the lives of other citizens? Pune has a great cultural history. We should be protecting that culture, not allowing the festival to become a competition over who has the biggest speakers and the loudest DJ,” he said.“I have nothing against young people enjoying themselves. They should celebrate. But enjoyment cannot mean that an entire neighbourhood has to surrender its peace. We have to ask ourselves what kind of Pune we want to leave for the next generation: a Pune known for its culture and traditions, or a Pune where the loudest sound system is considered the biggest celebration,” Kadam added. The protesters said they wanted authorities to ensure that existing noise regulations were enforced effectively while allowing citizens to celebrate festivals without excessive restrictions on traditional and cultural activities.Kadam also said, “At my age, I am not standing here against a festival. I am standing here for the festival and for the old culture of Pune. I want our Ganeshotsav to remain joyful, respectful and rooted in our traditions. Celebrate with all your heart, but please do not make another person’s home suffer because of your celebration.”