Pune Residents Protest Against Loud DJ Systems Ahead Of Ganesh Festival

Hundreds of residents gathered near Goodluck Cafe Chowk on Sunday, demanding a complete ban on loud music and DJ systems during the upcoming Ganesh festival, saying high-decibel sound systems have affected their health and made it difficult to remain in the city during immersion processions.

The Ganesh festival is scheduled to begin on September 14, with residents raising concerns over the noise levels expected during the celebrations and immersion processions.

Residents Demand Complete Ban On DJ Systems

Protesters raised slogans against the use of high-powered sound systems by Ganesh mandals and said excessive noise had become a major concern in residential areas.

"These high-decibel music systems being used for the past few years are making us ill. We leave the city for two to three days during the Ganesh immersion processions. We want a complete ban on the use of DJ sound systems," one protester said.

Another participant said the protest was not directed at any particular religion or community but against excessive noise.

"We have united against the high level of noise which disturbs neighbourhoods. The excessive use of loud sound systems is witnessed everywhere in the city, irrespective of a festival. It is unbearable," the protester said.

Ganesh Mandals Reject ‘Selective Targeting’ Claim

The protest also drew a response from representatives of some Ganesh mandals, who opposed what they described as selective targeting of festival celebrations.

One mandal representative questioned why concerns over loud music were being raised specifically in relation to Ganesh mandals while other civic issues remained unresolved.

"The Mutha river is polluted, but who is raising the issue? They only want to target Ganesh mandals," the representative said.

Another mandal member said organisers were prepared to comply with the administration's directions to control noise levels during the festival.

He said mandals had decided against using certain devices, including pressure-mid and plasma systems, in sound equipment, claiming that this would help reduce noise.

"We will also ensure that all mandals follow the guidelines issued by the administration," he said.

Noise Debate Ahead Of September 14 Celebrations

The protest comes ahead of one of Pune's biggest annual festivals, when large numbers of devotees participate in celebrations and immersion processions.

While residents are demanding a complete prohibition on DJ systems, mandal representatives have said they will follow official restrictions and take steps to reduce noise.

The competing demands have brought the issue of noise pollution to the forefront ahead of the festival, with residents calling for stricter enforcement and mandals seeking to ensure that restrictions are implemented without disproportionately affecting traditional celebrations.