Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Mumbai Ganpati Mandals Prepare Amid Debate Over DJs
Mumbai’s Ganpati groups are getting ready for the 2026 festival.
The festival lasts for 10 days.
Mumbai has not received a new official request to stop using DJs.
Loudspeakers are allowed on four immersion days until midnight.
The groups must still follow limits on how loud the music can be.
Some leaders want people to use traditional drums instead of very loud DJs.
They say breaking the rules could lead to police action.
Some mandals say they will keep their celebrations within the permitted time and sound limits.
Mumbai Ganpati mandals are preparing for the 10-day Ganeshotsav festival in 2026.
No formal appeal has been issued in Mumbai to stop DJs or music systems.
Loudspeakers and amplifiers are permitted from 6 a.m. to midnight on four immersion days.
Mandals are expected to remain below 55 decibels until 10 p.m. and 45 decibels afterward.
Leaders urged members to avoid DJs, follow noise rules, and use traditional dhol-tasha music instead.
- Who
- Mumbai’s sarvajanik Ganpati mandals, mandal leaders, and festival participants.
- What
- Mandals are preparing for Ganeshotsav while planning regulated loudspeaker and music use.
- When
- The festival is scheduled for 2026; permitted immersion dates are September 15, 18, 19, and 25.
- Where
- Mumbai, Maharashtra; the article also refers to protests and an appeal in Pune.
- Why
- Mandals are continuing annual celebrations because no formal Mumbai appeal against DJs or music systems has been issued, while leaders stress compliance with noise rules.
Traditional, regulated celebrations
Music-centered annual celebrations
Use of DJs
Traditional, regulated celebrations
Mandal leaders urged members to avoid DJs because their sound can exceed permitted decibel limits and result in police action.
Music-centered annual celebrations
Some mandal members said they would continue playing music and using sound systems as part of their annual celebrations, while staying within legal limits.
Official guidance in Mumbai
Traditional, regulated celebrations
Leaders emphasized that participants should follow permitted timings and noise limits, and celebrate in a traditional manner.
Music-centered annual celebrations
Mandal members said no formal Mumbai appeal had been issued against DJs or music systems, so they expected the usual celebrations to continue.
Festival sound practices
Traditional, regulated celebrations
Supporters of traditional practices recommended dhol-tasha music and lower-volume celebrations to reduce noise pollution.
Music-centered annual celebrations
Some groups said they would use banjo or other music systems so children and participants could dance during immersion processions.
- Festival
- The 10-day Ganpati festival, or Ganeshotsav, is scheduled for 2026.
- Permitted dates
- Loudspeakers and amplifiers may be used on September 15, 18, 19, and 25.
- Permitted hours
- Use is allowed from 6 a.m. to midnight on the specified immersion days.
- Noise limit until 10 p.m.
- Sound should remain below 55 decibels.
- Noise limit after 10 p.m.
- Sound should remain below 45 decibels until midnight.
- Mumbai notification
- The permission was issued by the Mumbai City and Suburban Collector in February 2026.
- Mandal guidance
- Leaders urged participants to avoid DJs and favor dhol-tasha performances.