Ganeshotsav DJ Row: Ganesh Mandals Take Aggressive Stand as Pune Civic Administration Takes Cautious Approach

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 24th August 2026: A meeting between Pune civic authorities and Ganesh mandals ahead of the upcoming Ganeshotsav witnessed heated exchanges over DJ music and sound systems, with several mandal representatives taking an aggressive stand against restrictions.

The issue came to a head after a participant raised concerns about the nuisance caused by loud DJs to residents. Some Ganesh mandal workers objected to the remarks, leading to a commotion inside the meeting hall. The situation was brought under control after civic security personnel escorted the participant out of the hall.

The incident also highlighted the administration’s cautious approach to the contentious issue of DJ sound levels. Instead of announcing specific restrictions during the meeting, civic officials said that the police administration would take a decision on sound systems, the number of bass and top speakers, and permissible timings.

The joint meeting of Ganesh mandal office-bearers and workers was held at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in view of Dahi Handi and Ganeshotsav. Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, Deputy Mayor Parshuram Wadekar, Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, Joint Commissioner of Police Sanjeev Darade, House Leader Ganesh Bidkar, Leader of Opposition Adv. Nilesh Nikam, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) group leader Kaka Chavan and Shiv Sena (UBT) group leader Nitin Gavade, along with senior police officials, were present.

Mandals raise civic issues
During the meeting, Ganesh mandal representatives questioned the civic administration over sound systems, advertisement charges, potholes, hanging electricity wires, overgrown tree branches, immersion routes, public toilets and various permissions required for the festival.

Some representatives also expressed dissatisfaction that assurances given by the administration before festivals often do not translate into effective implementation on the ground.

Shailesh Badhai raised concerns over the poor condition and inadequate cleaning of public toilets during the festival and immersion processions.

Ravindra Malwadkar and Mahesh Suryawanshi urged the administration to take a clear position on the excessive use of plasma displays and laser shows, citing their potential impact on the health of citizens and festival workers.

The mandals agreed to avoid plasma and laser shows during Ganeshotsav. However, there was no similar consensus on DJ systems and large sound-system setups. The administration indicated that the police would decide on sound levels, the number of bass and top speakers and permissible timings.

Heated exchange over DJ noise
The DJ issue became the most contentious point of the meeting when a worker from Narayan Peth raised concerns about the inconvenience caused to residents by loud DJ music.

Some Ganesh mandal workers strongly objected to the issue being raised, resulting in an argument and a commotion in the meeting hall. Civic security personnel eventually escorted the participant outside, after which the situation calmed down.

The episode underscored the sensitivity surrounding the DJ issue ahead of Ganeshotsav, with mandal representatives pressing for fewer restrictions while civic authorities avoided taking a definitive position on sound limits and left the matter largely to the police administration.

Demands for equal treatment
Dhananjay Deshmukh demanded that Ganesh mandals in eastern Pune receive the same treatment and facilities as the city’s prominent ‘Manache Ganpati’ mandals.

Dheeraj Ghate called for the festival to be free from restrictions.
Ganesh Bidkar suggested that the PMC formulate a permanent system for dealing with advertisements, the sale of Ganesh idols and stalls operated by mandals, instead of taking ad hoc decisions every year.

No fee or penalty for advertisement arches
The civic administration assured Ganesh mandals that no fee or penalty would be imposed for welcome arches and advertisements put up during the festival.

The PMC also indicated that food stalls serving devotees would be permitted during the festival.

Mayor Manjusha Nagpure said priority would be given to filling potholes, repairing footpaths, improving lighting and providing adequate public toilets during the festival period.

Key assurances at the meeting
Potholes will be repaired, while dangerous hanging wires and tree branches will be removed on priority.
Necessary permissions for Ganesh mandals will be provided through an online, single-window system.
Digital mapping and QR-code boards will be installed to help devotees locate festival displays.
Public toilets for men and women will be arranged at several locations in central Pune.
The police administration will decide on sound systems, the number of bass and top speakers and permissible timings.
No fee or penalty will be imposed for welcome arches during Ganeshotsav.
Ganesh mandals have agreed to avoid plasma and laser shows.