With Maharashtra gearing up for Ganeshotsav, the debate over loud DJ systems during festival celebrations has intensified. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appealed to devotees and organisers to embrace traditional celebrations, while Mumbai Police have warned that violations of prescribed noise limits could invite strict action.
Speaking to reporters in Pune on Friday, Fadnavis drew a comparison between the sound produced by powerful DJ systems and the noise associated with an earthquake.“The noise generated from a DJ system is similar to the noise of an earthquake.”
The Chief Minister said the issue should not be addressed through confrontation but through dialogue involving all stakeholders. He stressed the need to build consensus on how Ganeshotsav can be celebrated while preserving its traditional character.“I am of the view that people must be taken into confidence and consensus should be reached on how to celebrate the Ganpati festival in a traditional manner.”
Fadnavis also said that festivals become more enjoyable when their traditional practices are retained. His remarks come as the use of high-powered DJ systems and loud music during public celebrations has become increasingly common in recent years.
Fadnavis Calls For Dialogue On Festival Celebrations
The Chief Minister further called for discussions between festival organisers, citizens and authorities to find a mutually acceptable approach to the issue.“To do away with such practices, there is a need to build consensus by holding dialogue among all stakeholders.”
His comments are particularly significant ahead of Ganeshotsav, one of Maharashtra’s biggest annual festivals, when thousands of public mandals organise processions and immersion events across cities.
Mumbai Police Reiterate Restrictions On DJ Systems
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have reiterated that DJ systems will face restrictions during Ganeshotsav, referring to the Bombay High Court’s 2018 directions concerning noise pollution.
Police officials said enforcement measures would be strengthened at major festival locations. Decibel meters are expected to be made available to personnel deployed at prominent areas such as Lalbaug, Girgaon and Juhu Chowpatty.
According to officials, no major Ganpati mandal in Mumbai has so far sought permission to operate DJ systems during the upcoming celebrations.
Police Warn Ganpati Mandals Of Action
Authorities have also reminded organisers that noise levels must remain within the prescribed limits.“The permissible noise level is 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night. Anybody violating these parameters will be booked,” an officer said.
Police officials noted that sound levels during festival celebrations can sometimes rise dramatically, reportedly reaching between 90 and 120 dB.
Authorities have also warned that action against violators could extend beyond the current festival season. Ganpati mandals found repeatedly breaching noise regulations could potentially face difficulties obtaining permission for celebrations in the following year.“If we find Ganpati mandals violating the guidelines, we may withhold permission for them to celebrate the festival next year,” an officer said.
The developments underline the administration’s focus on balancing the festive spirit of Ganeshotsav with noise-control regulations, as Maharashtra prepares for another major round of Ganpati celebrations.
