Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Pune DJ Ban Demand Sparks Ganeshotsav Noise Pollution Row
Vidyanand Bapat is a Pune citizen who wants loud DJs and sound systems restricted during Ganeshotsav.
He says loud music can disturb residents and cause traffic problems.
He says he is not against the festival or religious celebrations.
Some Ganesh mandal workers disagree and want to use music systems during the festival.
Their disagreement became a heated argument at a civic meeting.
Police escorted Bapat away to keep the situation under control.
BJP leader Dheeraj Ghate said noise rules should apply to all communities and events.
Minister Murlidhar Mohol supported legal noise limits but said traditional dhol-tasha groups should not face unnecessary restrictions.
The debate is now part of Pune’s preparations for Ganeshotsav 2026.
Social activist Vidyanand Bapat demanded a complete ban on DJs and loud sound systems during Pune’s Ganeshotsav.
Bapat said his campaign targets noise pollution and public disruption, not Ganeshotsav or religious freedom.
Ganesh mandal workers opposed a blanket restriction, leading to a heated exchange at a Pune Municipal Corporation meeting.
Police escorted Bapat out after tensions rose during the meeting on Ganeshotsav 2026 preparations.
Dheeraj Ghate and Murlidhar Mohol supported noise regulation but differed on how restrictions should apply to festivals and traditional instruments.
- Who
- Vidyanand Bapat, Ganesh mandal workers, BJP leader Dheeraj Ghate and Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol.
- What
- A dispute over whether DJs and high-decibel sound systems should be banned or restricted during Pune’s Ganeshotsav.
- When
- During a Pune Municipal Corporation meeting on preparations for Ganeshotsav 2026.
- Where
- Pune, including areas such as Narayan Peth, Laxmi Road, Kelkar Road, Bajirao Road and Tilak Road.
- Why
- Bapat cited noise pollution, resident disruption and traffic congestion, while mandal workers opposed a blanket restriction on festival sound systems.
Noise Restrictions
Festival Sound Systems
Whether DJs should be banned
Noise Restrictions
Vidyanand Bapat wants a complete ban on DJs and loud sound amplification in public spaces, either throughout the year or during Ganeshotsav.
Festival Sound Systems
Ganesh mandal workers opposed a blanket restriction and sought greater freedom to use sound systems during the festival.
Tradition and celebration
Noise Restrictions
Bapat said Ganeshotsav predates widespread loudspeaker use and argued that traditional dhol-tasha should be distinguished from high-decibel amplified sound.
Festival Sound Systems
Mandal workers argued against broad restrictions on festival music systems, while indicating they could avoid plasma and laser lights.
How rules should apply
Noise Restrictions
Bapat and Murlidhar Mohol argued that noise limits should be enforced consistently and that existing rules and court orders should guide celebrations.
Festival Sound Systems
Dheeraj Ghate said restrictions should not target Ganeshotsav alone and should apply equally to religious and social events across communities.
- Main campaigner
- Vidyanand Bapat, a Narayan Peth resident and social activist.
- Requested policy
- A complete ban on DJs and loud sound amplification systems, either year-round or at least during Ganeshotsav.
- Festival involved
- Pune’s Ganeshotsav 2026 preparations.
- Bapat’s position
- He says he opposes high-decibel public sound systems, not Ganeshotsav or religious freedom.
- Mandal workers’ position
- They opposed a blanket restriction on DJs and music systems, while indicating willingness to avoid plasma and laser lights.
- Regulatory position
- Murlidhar Mohol said celebrations must follow legal noise limits and court orders, and supported restrictions on plasma systems, pressure beams and lasers.
- Meeting outcome
- Police formed a security ring around Bapat and escorted him out after the exchange became tense.