Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Pune's 200-Plus Ganesh Mandals Back DJ-Free Ganeshotsav
More than 200 groups in Pune that organize Ganesh festivals say they will celebrate without DJs this year.
Punit Balan said the goal is to keep the festival traditional.
The groups also want to reduce loud noise and inconvenience for people living nearby.
Pune Police said festivals can continue, but music must stay within legal sound limits.
Police warned that equipment making excessive noise could be taken away.
Some organisers and DJ operators want more freedom to use loud music.
Other organisers support limits to control noise pollution.
Traditional drums, bands and cultural performances will be used instead in some celebrations.
More than 200 Ganesh mandals in Pune have joined a DJ-free Ganeshotsav initiative, according to Punit Balan.
The initiative aims to preserve traditional celebrations while reducing noise pollution and inconvenience to residents.
Pune Police said sound systems exceeding prescribed noise limits will not be permitted and may be seized immediately.
Some festival organisers and DJ operators have sought fewer restrictions on sound systems, while others support noise controls.
Traditional dhol-tasha, band and other cultural performances are being promoted as alternatives to DJ music.
- Who
- More than 200 Pune Ganesh mandals, Punit Balan, festival organisers, DJ operators and Pune Police.
- What
- The mandals are joining a DJ-free Ganeshotsav initiative, while police are enforcing prescribed noise limits.
- When
- The announcement was made on Wednesday; preparations were discussed on Monday, with the initiative planned for this year's festival.
- Where
- Pune, Maharashtra, including discussions at the Pune Municipal Corporation building.
- Why
- To preserve traditional and culturally rooted celebrations, reduce noise pollution and avoid inconvenience to citizens.
Festival Sound Freedom
Noise Restrictions
Use of DJs and loudspeakers
Festival Sound Freedom
Some Ganesh mandals and DJ operators have sought fewer restrictions on sound systems during Dahi Handi and Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Noise Restrictions
Pune Police said music systems causing noise pollution will not be allowed and that prescribed sound limits must be followed.
Character of the festival
Festival Sound Freedom
Supporters of greater sound-system freedom view DJs and loud music as part of contemporary festive celebrations.
Noise Restrictions
Punit Balan and participating mandals favor traditional, religious and culturally rooted celebrations using dhol-tasha, bands and other performances.
- Participating mandals
- More than 200 Ganesh mandals in Pune
- Initiative leader
- Punit Balan, Festival Head of the Shreemant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal Trust
- Police policy
- Sound systems exceeding prescribed noise limits will not be permitted
- Police enforcement
- Equipment operating above permitted limits may be seized immediately
- Traditional alternatives
- Dhol-tasha, band and other cultural performances
- Related celebrations
- The DJ-free approach was also extended to Dahi Handi celebrations
- Previous position
- In 2025, the Punit Balan Group said it would not financially support through advertisements mandals using DJs or inappropriate music