Pune, 31st August 2026: With the Ganesh festival set to begin on September 14, hundreds of Punekars on Sunday staged a protest against the use of loud DJ and high-decibel sound systems during the celebrations.
The protesters gathered near Goodluck Cafe Chowk and raised slogans demanding a ban on loud DJ systems, particularly during Ganesh immersion processions. They said excessive noise has become a serious problem for residents and is affecting their health and daily lives.
Protesters said the high-decibel music played during festival processions has become increasingly difficult to tolerate. Some claimed that they leave the city for two to three days during the immersion period to escape the noise.
“These high-decibel sound systems have been making people ill for the past few years. We are forced to leave the city during the immersion processions. We want a complete ban on DJ sound systems,” a protester said.
Another protester said the movement was not directed against any particular religion or community.
“Our protest is against excessive noise. Loud sound systems disturb residential areas and the problem is seen across the city, not only during one festival,” the protester said.
Representatives of Ganesh Mandals, however, objected to the demand for a complete ban and alleged that Ganesh Mandals were being selectively targeted over noise pollution.
“People raising objections to DJ systems conveniently ignore other forms of pollution. The Mutha river is polluted, but very few people raise that issue. Ganesh Mandals should not be singled out,” a mandal representative said.
Another Ganesh Mandal representative said mandals had already decided against using certain high-powered sound equipment, including pressure-mid and plasma systems, to help control noise levels.
“We will ensure that mandals follow the noise-control guidelines issued by the administration. We have also taken steps to avoid equipment that can increase sound levels,” he said.
The contrasting views come ahead of the festival, with residents demanding stricter enforcement of noise restrictions while Ganesh Mandals maintain that celebrations can be conducted while following the administration's guidelines.