Uddhav Thackeray has backed calls for restrictions on high-decibel DJs and loudspeakers during festivals in Maharashtra, urging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, to convene a meeting with stakeholders before the state’s upcoming Ganesh celebrations.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief made the remarks at a news conference on Tuesday, according to a report by PTI carried by Mid-Day. He said festivals should bring people together and create happiness rather than cause disturbance because of excessive noise.
“Celebrations should not be noisy. They should make people happy, not bother them,” Thackeray said, according to the report. He added that people wanted to celebrate but did not want the problems associated with excessive noise.
Thackeray’s appeal comes as Maharashtra prepares for Ganesh festival events, which involve large public celebrations across the state. His request for a meeting places the question of festival noise regulation before the state government and calls for discussions involving the authorities and other stakeholders.
The demand for DJ-free festivals and restrictions on high-powered sound systems has been gaining support in Maharashtra. Pune-based activist Vidyanand Bapat has emerged as a prominent voice in the campaign against high-decibel music during festivals. Supporters have raised concerns about the impact of excessive sound on residents and public spaces.
The latest comments add political backing to a debate over how religious and cultural celebrations should be conducted while limiting disturbance to surrounding neighbourhoods. The report did not specify any new government order, enforcement mechanism, decibel limit or deadline resulting from Thackeray’s appeal.
Thackeray also questioned dance performances at some Dahi Handi events in the state. Referring to what he described as “neo-Hindutva”, he questioned whether such performances were consistent with the standards promoted by those supporting them, according to PTI. The remarks formed part of a wider discussion about public conduct and cultural programmes during festivals.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further criticised the state and central governments, claiming that those in power did not know how to administer effectively. Those comments were made in the broader context of government responsibility for regulating public celebrations while allowing cultural and religious events to continue.
The appeal now puts the focus on whether the Maharashtra government will call the proposed stakeholder meeting and whether any formal measures will be announced before the next round of festival celebrations.
