Pune Ganeshotsav 2026: PMC To Allocate Dedicated Spaces For Dhol-Tasha Practice

Pune, 13th August 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is planning to allocate designated spaces for dhol-tasha pathaks to conduct practice sessions ahead of Ganeshotsav 2026.

The move comes amid complaints over rehearsals being held in public spaces, including areas near residential neighbourhoods. The civic administration is also working on a framework to regulate dhol-tasha and other troupe rehearsals in the city.

The proposed framework is expected to cover permissions, designated practice locations, timings and the duration of rehearsal sessions. The aim is to bring rehearsals under a standardised system instead of allowing groups to use public spaces without a clear permission process.

Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure has also directed the civic administration to make practice spaces available and simplify the permission process for dhol-tasha groups ahead of the festival.

The PMC’s move follows concerns raised over noise and the use of riverbeds, school grounds and civic spaces for rehearsals. Officials have said a lack of a standardised system has previously led to confusion and disputes over the use of municipal spaces.

The civic body is now expected to identify suitable locations and work out the rules governing rehearsals before the start of Ganeshotsav.

Pune’s Ganeshotsav processions traditionally feature dhol-tasha pathaks, with the groups forming a prominent part of the city’s public celebrations.