Pune, 26 August 2025: The Maharashtra government has declared Ganeshotsav a state festival, and in line with this, Pune district authorities have issued a relaxation order for the use of loudspeakers. District Collector Jitendra Dudi announced that public Ganesh mandals will be allowed to use loudspeakers and sound amplifiers from 6 a.m. to midnight for a total of seven days.
Until now, such midnight relaxation was generally limited to five days. However, this year the exemption has been extended after modifying the January 31 order. The approved dates are from August 30 to September 4, and again on September 6.
Apart from Ganeshotsav, exemptions will also be granted on October 1 and 2 for Navratri, December 25 for Christmas, and December 31 for New Year’s Eve. One additional day has been kept open for special occasions if needed.
Authorities clarified that all celebrations must follow the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, and sound levels must not exceed prescribed limits. The relaxation will not apply in silence zones, such as around hospitals and schools.