Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Murlidhar Mohol Backs Traditional Sounds, Limits Ganeshotsav Noise
Murlidhar Mohol wants people to enjoy Ganeshotsav without causing too much noise.
He said DJs and loudspeakers must follow legal sound limits.
He also called for plasma systems, pressure beams and laser lights to be banned.
Mohol believes traditional dhol-tasha music is an important part of Pune’s festival.
He said police should not unfairly limit the number of dhol-tasha groups.
An activist has demanded a complete ban on DJs and very loud sound systems.
Ganesh mandals oppose a total ban but say they may avoid plasma systems and lasers.
Mohol wants the festival to remain traditional while respecting residents and the law.
Murlidhar Mohol backed enforcing court-mandated noise limits during Ganeshotsav 2026.
He called for bans on plasma systems, pressure beams and laser lights.
Mohol said DJs and loudspeakers must remain within prescribed decibel limits.
He opposed arbitrary restrictions on traditional dhol-tasha groups.
His comments followed a dispute over a proposed blanket DJ ban in Pune.
- Who
- Union Minister of State and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol, activist Vidyanand Bapat and Pune Ganesh mandals.
- What
- Mohol backed noise-rule enforcement, restrictions on high-powered equipment and protection for traditional dhol-tasha groups.
- When
- The position concerns Ganeshotsav 2026 and followed a Pune Municipal Corporation meeting on August 24.
- Where
- Pune, Maharashtra.
- Why
- To allow public celebration while preventing excessive noise, disruption and distress to residents.
Noise Restrictions
Festival Freedom
DJs and high-decibel systems
Noise Restrictions
Vidyanand Bapat called for a complete ban, citing effects on residents including night-shift workers and people working from home.
Festival Freedom
Ganesh mandals opposed a blanket ban, while indicating they may avoid plasma systems and lasers.
Traditional dhol-tasha groups
Noise Restrictions
Noise-control advocates argue that public celebrations should not cause excessive disturbance.
Festival Freedom
Murlidhar Mohol said traditional dhol-tasha should be protected from arbitrary limits because it is central to Pune’s Ganeshotsav tradition.
Festival participation
Noise Restrictions
Residents’ concerns include excessive noise and pandals or processions blocking major roads.
Festival Freedom
Mohol said Ganeshotsav belongs to the general public as well as mandal volunteers and should continue with broad participation within the law.
- Festival
- Ganeshotsav 2026
- Noise policy
- Court-mandated limits should apply to DJs and loudspeakers.
- Proposed equipment ban
- Mohol called for a strict ban on plasma systems, pressure beams and laser lights.
- Traditional music
- Mohol said dhol-tasha groups should not face arbitrary restrictions.
- Activist demand
- Vidyanand Bapat sought a complete ban on DJs and high-decibel sound systems.
- Festival legacy
- Mohol said Pune’s Ganeshotsav has a history of more than 130 years.
- Mohol’s association
- He said he has volunteered with his Ganesh mandal for around 30 years.