Pune, 1st September 2026: Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Medha Kulkarni has called for a strict ban on DJs, laser lights and obscene performances during religious festivals. She said the city, known as Maharashtra’s cultural capital, should develop a model of disciplined and traditional celebrations, which she described as the ‘Pune Pattern’.
Speaking to reporters, Kulkarni said laws governing public celebrations should be enforced equally, regardless of the caste or religion associated with the festival. She stressed that noise regulations and other legal restrictions must be followed strictly during all religious events.
She said loud DJs can cause serious problems for children, senior citizens and people who are unwell. Festival celebrations, she added, should not become a reason for residents to consider moving away because of excessive noise.
Kulkarni also criticised obscene performances during festivals, saying that public celebrations should not compromise cultural values. She urged festival organisers and elected representatives not to allow such activities.
She also appealed to organisers to avoid covert promotion of gutkha and other products that are harmful to health during festival events.
Kulkarni said Ganeshotsav, which was started by Lokmanya Tilak as a platform for social awareness, should give greater importance to lectures, cultural programs and competitions rather than excessive noise and entertainment.
She welcomed the decision of around 200 Ganesh mandals in Pune to celebrate this year’s festival without DJs and through traditional methods, saying such initiatives should be encouraged.