31 August,2026 11:44 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Representational image. File pic
With the Ganesh festival set to begin on September 14, hundreds of Pune residents have protested against the use of high-decibel DJ systems and loud music during the celebrations and immersion processions.
The protesters gathered near Goodluck Cafe Chowk, a prominent city landmark, on Sunday and raised slogans demanding a complete ban on DJ sound systems during the festival. They said excessive noise has become a recurring problem in the city and is affecting residents' health and daily lives.
One protester said high-volume music systems used during Ganesh celebrations in recent years had become unbearable for many people. According to the protesters, some residents even leave Pune for two to three days during the immersion processions to escape the noise.
The agitators maintained that their campaign was not directed against any particular religion or community. They said their objection was specifically to excessive noise and the use of high-powered sound systems.
A protester said loud music was not restricted to any particular festival and that similar noise-related problems were witnessed in different parts of the city. However, the upcoming Ganesh festival has brought the issue into sharper focus because of the large-scale processions and public celebrations associated with it.
The residents have therefore sought a complete ban on DJ systems, particularly during the immersion processions, citing concerns over the impact of high-decibel sound on neighbourhoods.
Representatives of some Ganesh mandals, however, objected to the demand for a blanket ban. They alleged that the campaign was selectively targeting Ganesh mandals while ignoring other environmental concerns affecting the city.
One mandal representative questioned why issues such as pollution in the Mutha river were not receiving similar attention. He alleged that Ganesh mandals were being singled out over the use of loud music.
Another mandal member said organisers had already taken steps to limit excessive noise. He claimed that mandals had resolved not to use devices such as pressure-mid and plasma in their sound systems, which they believe would help reduce noise levels.
Ganesh mandal representatives also said they would follow the guidelines issued by the administration during the festival. They maintained that organisers were prepared to cooperate with authorities and ensure that prescribed rules were followed.
The dispute comes as Pune prepares for one of its biggest annual festivals, with residents seeking stricter control over noise levels while organisers argue that responsible use of sound systems should be encouraged instead of imposing a blanket ban.
(With inputs from PTI)
