Pune residents demand DJ music ban during Ganesh festival

Hundreds of Pune residents staged a protest on Sunday, Aug 30 demanding a ban on loud music and DJ systems during the upcoming Ganesh festival, claiming the unbearable noise makes them fall ill and forces some to leave the city for a few days. Separately, some Ganesh Mandal representatives alleged selective targeting over loud music.

The festival begins on September 14.

Hundreds gathered near Goodluck Cafe Chowk, a city landmark, and raised slogans against the high-decibel sound systems used by Ganesh Mandals. "These high-decibel music systems being used for the past few years are making us ill. We leave the city for two to three days during the Ganesh immersion processions. We want a complete ban on the use of DJ sound systems," a protester said.

Another agitator said the protest was not directed at any particular religion or caste. "We have united against the high level of noise which disturbs neighbourhoods. The excessive use of loud sound systems is witnessed everywhere in the city irrespective of a festival. It is unbearable," he said.

A Ganesh Mandal representative, however, claimed those demanding a ban on sound systems conveniently ignored environmental pollution. "The Mutha river is polluted, but who is raising the issue? They only want to target Ganesh Mandals," he said. Another member said mandals had resolved against using devices such as pressure-mid and plasma speakers, which he claimed would reduce noise. "We will also ensure that all mandals follow the guidelines issued by the administration," he added.