Despite a ban on DJs and sound systems during Ganpati visarjan processions, many mandals have found a loophole to keep the music loud. The Bombay High Court had, in 2018, prohibited the use of DJs during these processions to curb noise pollution. This year, though, mandals are using live bands and singers on moving trucks and amplifying live instruments. The use of dhol-tasha, a traditional form of percussion music, was exempt from the ban, but the introduction of amplified live orchestras has created a new challenge. These performances, enhanced by loudspeakers, can generate noise levels comparable to DJs, defeating the ban’s original purpose.

Ganpati mandla are now using a #loophole to play loud music during visarjan processions. The DJ ban was implemented by Bombay High Court in 2018 citing noise pollution issues. Mandals have now seitched to live orchestra connected to loudspeakers instead of DJs. @mid_day pic.twitter.com/oOlkF8csmw