Thane | September 8, 2026 — Thane-based social activist Dr Mahesh Bedekar has issued an open letter warning about rising noise pollution and what he described as the declining standards of public festivals in Maharashtra, following recent debates over loud music, public processions and performances at festival venues.
The letter refers to a recent protest against a DJ ban in Pune and incidents reported during Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai, Thane and other locations. Dr Bedekar said the criticism was not directed at any particular religion or festival, but at what he called the changing and “distorted” form of public celebrations and the disturbance caused to residents by excessive sound.
According to the letter, the issue extends beyond a few festivals and includes public anniversaries, processions and other events held throughout the year. Dr Bedekar thanked Pune-based Vיד्यानंद Bapat for raising the issue of noise pollution and the inconvenience caused to ordinary residents during public celebrations. He also referred to written objections raised by several citizens, including Dr Yashwant Ozhe, Umera Abdulali, Dr Kalyani Manjare and K. Sarita Khandelwal of Ulhasnagar.
The letter cites health concerns associated with prolonged exposure to loud noise, including hearing damage, tinnitus, ear discomfort, sleep disruption, fatigue, reduced concentration, irritability, stress and anxiety. It also refers to possible links with elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. The health concerns are presented in the letter with reference to the World Health Organization, although the specific report or data source was not identified in the published account.
Dr Bedekar said children, older people and pregnant women could be particularly vulnerable to noise exposure. The letter associates noise-related stress and sleep disruption with possible health risks during pregnancy, including high blood pressure and premature delivery. These claims were made in the open letter and were not accompanied in the report by case-specific data from Maharashtra.
The activist also objected to a dance performance during a recent Saturday festival, describing its gestures and presentation as unsuitable for a public setting attended by people from different age groups. He said the absence of public opposition could allow such performances to become established in the name of culture. The letter welcomed Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray’s reported position on the issue.
Dr Bedekar referred to the public interest litigation titled Dr Mahesh Bedekar versus the State of Maharashtra, identified in the report as PIL 173 of 2010, and said the decision associated with former Chief Justice Oka was significant. He argued that implementing the principles involved was the responsibility of both the administration and society.
The letter called for Maharashtra’s traditional festivals to be conducted in a manner that preserves their community role while reducing public disturbance and maintaining standards of conduct. It did not announce a new government order or enforcement measure. The immediate administrative response to the concerns raised in the letter was not reported.
