Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Pune Festival Groups Seek Regulated DJs, Reject Blanket Ban
People in Pune are arguing about whether DJs should be allowed at festivals.
Some citizens are worried that very loud music causes problems for residents.
Festival organisers and political groups say a total ban is not the best answer.
They want DJs to follow rules about volume, timing and equipment.
They say music helps make Ganeshotsav and Dahi Handi celebrations lively and brings people together.
They also say many workers earn money from festival sound-system jobs.
The supporters agree that anyone breaking the rules should be punished.
They want Pune to protect residents while still allowing responsible festival music.
Ganesh mandal members, political groups and organisers backed regulated DJ use during Pune festivals.
Supporters said DJs should follow prescribed noise limits, timings and equipment rules.
Citizens protested at Goodluck Chowk and Abhinav Chowk over loud festival music.
Representatives argued authorities should punish violations instead of imposing a complete ban.
Supporters highlighted festival-linked livelihoods for DJ operators, technicians and other workers.
- Who
- Ganesh mandal members, political groups, festival organisers and protesting citizens are involved.
- What
- The debate concerns whether DJs should be allowed at Pune festivals under noise and other regulations.
- When
- The protests and statements described took place on Sunday; no specific date is provided.
- Where
- Pune, including protests at Goodluck Chowk and Abhinav Chowk.
- Why
- Supporters oppose a blanket ban because they say regulated music supports cultural celebrations and seasonal livelihoods, while citizens have raised concerns about loud noise.
Supporters of regulated DJs
Residents concerned about noise
Blanket ban
Supporters of regulated DJs
Ganesh mandal members, festival organisers and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena opposed a complete ban, saying compliant DJs should remain permitted.
Residents concerned about noise
Citizens protesting at Goodluck Chowk and Abhinav Chowk raised concerns about loud music and DJ use during festivals.
How authorities should respond
Supporters of regulated DJs
Supporters called for advance rules, monitoring and action against people who violate noise limits rather than restricting the entire DJ industry.
Residents concerned about noise
The protests reflected demands for protection from unreasonable noise during festival celebrations.
Festival and economic role
Supporters of regulated DJs
Supporters said music contributes to the cultural atmosphere and that many workers and small businesses rely on festival-related sound-system work.
Residents concerned about noise
Residents’ concerns focus on the effects of excessive sound, which supporters acknowledged should be controlled.
- Main proposal
- Allow DJs and sound systems within prescribed noise limits and other rules.
- Protests
- Citizens protested at Goodluck Chowk and Abhinav Chowk over loud music and DJs.
- Suggested controls
- Supporters called for clear limits on volume, timings and equipment, with proper monitoring.
- Festivals mentioned
- Ganeshotsav and Dahi Handi celebrations.
- Economic impact
- Supporters said DJ operators, sound-system owners, technicians, transporters and other workers depend on festival bookings.
- Enforcement position
- Those who deliberately exceed prescribed limits should face action for the specific violation.