Pune, 24th August 2026: A meeting of all-party leaders, Ganesh mandal representatives and senior police officials was held at the Pune Police Commissionerate on Saturday ahead of Dahi Handi and Ganeshotsav.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said the cooperation of mandal workers would be important for peaceful celebrations. He stressed the need for proper crowd management, traffic regulation and maintenance of law and order.
He also said Supreme Court guidelines on noise pollution must be followed. Suggestions from Ganesh mandals will be considered while planning idol installation and immersion arrangements. Detailed guidelines on loudspeaker use will be announced soon.
Political representatives asked the police to frame rules after considering Pune’s traditional Ganeshotsav and local conditions. They said restrictions should not be imposed unilaterally and that the concerns of mandal organisers should be considered.
BJP MLA Hemant Rasane said, “Ganeshotsav has received the status of a state festival, and Pune’s public Ganeshotsav has a glorious tradition. Devotees from across India and abroad visit Pune for the festival. Unnecessary restrictions should not be imposed, and the rules should be finalised after considering the sentiments and suggestions of festival organisers.”
NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Ravindra Malwadkar said, “Pune’s public Ganeshotsav has a 132-year-old tradition. The excessive use of high-powered loudspeakers and laser lights should be avoided, while mandals involved in constructive social work should be encouraged. The festival has evolved with time, but following the rules is equally important. It should be celebrated with enthusiasm in a restriction-free environment.”
The police administration said its objective is to balance public safety and smooth festival arrangements with the traditional spirit of Ganeshotsav. Organisers will be expected to cooperate with authorities on traffic, crowd control, noise levels and immersion arrangements.
