'Makes us ill': Pune residents demand ban on loud DJs during Ganesh Chaturthi

Hundreds of Pune residents protested against loud DJ systems ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations next month. The row has sharpened a wider debate over noise, health and selective targeting of festivals.Hundreds of people gathered near Pune's Goodluck Cafe Chowk, a city landmark, and raised slogans against the loud sound systems used by Ganesh mandals. (Photo: Pexels)Hundreds of residents in Pune on Sunday staged a protest demanding a ban on loud music and DJ systems during the upcoming Ganesh festival, saying the high noise levels make people ill and force some to leave the city for a few days during the immersion processions. The festival is set to begin on September 14.The protest also drew a response from some representatives of Ganesh mandals, who alleged that the demand for a ban amounted to selective targeting over loud music. They said mandals would follow the administration's guidelines and avoid using certain devices to reduce noise.Hundreds of people gathered near Goodluck Cafe Chowk, a city landmark, and raised slogans against the loud 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, said those seeking a ban on sound systems and DJ music were ignoring other issues. "The Mutha river is polluted, but who is raising the issue? They only want to target Ganesh mandals," he said.Another mandal member said Ganesh mandals had resolved not to use devices such as pressure-mid and plasma in sound systems, which he said would reduce the noise. "We will also ensure that all mandals follow the guidelines issued by the administration," he added. The protest highlighted concerns over noise during the Ganesh festival in Pune, with residents seeking a complete ban on DJ systems and some mandal representatives rejecting what they called selective targeting while promising to follow official guidelines.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 31, 2026 10:15 IST