Pune, 5th September 2026: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to citizens and Ganesh mandals in Pune to celebrate this year’s Ganeshotsav in a traditional manner, stressing that public participation is essential to reduce the growing use of loud DJ systems during festivals.
Speaking to reporters in Pune on Friday, Fadnavis said long-standing practices during festivals cannot always be stopped through legal action alone.
“Festival practices cannot be stopped only through the force of law. The law has to be used, but people must also be taken into confidence and a solution found through dialogue,” Fadnavis said.
He said he had spoken to the Pune Police Commissioner and that there was agreement on avoiding activities that cause inconvenience to citizens.
“There is agreement that DJ systems producing extremely loud, earthquake-like sound should not be used. Festivals, including Ganeshotsav, should be celebrated accordingly in Pune,” he said.
Fadnavis added that the government plans to discuss noise pollution with stakeholders before framing a broader policy for Maharashtra. He also said Ganesh mandals and the police could similarly work together to find a solution to noise-related concerns during Dahi Handi celebrations.
Fadnavis also expressed displeasure over the recent attack on Vidyanand Bapat.
“Violence is not right. Everyone has the right to put forward their views,” he said, stressing that disagreements should be addressed without resorting to violence.
Fadnavis also praised Bapat for his command of Marathi when asked about the attention his language has received recently.
“Bapat speaks very beautiful Marathi. His speech reflects the purity of the language, and his Marathi has become trending. He deserves appreciation for that,” Fadnavis said.
At the same time, he said Bapat should ensure that his views are presented in a way that does not unnecessarily trouble or alienate others. “Just as he presents his views in pure Marathi, he should also present them in an inclusive manner,” Fadnavis said.
He added that he enjoys listening to anyone who speaks standard Marathi. In a lighter vein, he joked that people might need to take 'tuition' to understand Bapat’s Marathi.
