Pune Ganeshotsav DJ restrictions have received public support from Dr. Rohit Tilak, a descendant of Lokmanya Tilak, as the city administration and police prepare to enforce limits on loud DJ systems, plasma displays, laser lights and pressure sound during the festival.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Ganeshotsav, Tilak said the festival should grow while retaining its religious and social character. He opposed the use of deafening DJ systems and other features that can inconvenience residents, disrupt traffic and affect the public during celebrations.
“Lokmanya Tilak started Ganeshotsav with the objective of bringing society together through religion. The festival should certainly become larger, but its sanctity must also be preserved,” Tilak said, according to the report. He added that unnecessary showmanship and high-volume sound systems should not become part of the celebrations.
The Ganeshotsav celebrations are scheduled to begin shortly, and discussions have been under way over the restrictions that will apply during processions and public events. The police administration has said that restrictions on loud DJ systems, plasma displays and pressure sound will remain in force amid concerns over increasing noise pollution.
Tilak also referred to requirements concerning permissible sound levels and the use of traditional drum groups. He said court directions relating to sound limits and drum-and-tasha performances must be implemented strictly. The report did not specify the decibel limits, enforcement schedule or penalties that will apply in individual cases.
Tilak said the festival should not be discontinued because religious celebrations can provide people with emotional support and a sense of social connection. At the same time, he argued that celebrations must operate within defined limits. He identified the position with that of the Kesari public Ganeshotsav organisers.
He also said that a transition away from DJ systems would not happen in a single day. According to Tilak, some young people are moving away from DJs and viewing traditional dhol-tasha groups as an alternative. He said several such groups had introduced greater discipline, new rhythms and choreography while following applicable rules.
The restrictions come as Pune prepares for one of its largest annual public festivals, during which processions and gatherings can affect traffic movement and nearby residents. The report did not provide details of the number of public celebrations, procession routes, enforcement teams or complaints recorded in previous years.
For organisers, the immediate requirement is to conduct performances and processions within the sound and equipment restrictions communicated by the administration and police. Authorities are expected to continue discussions and enforce the applicable rules during the festival period.
