Pune: Punit Balan Announces No Sponsorship for DJ-Using Ganesh Mandals, Urges Return to Traditional Celebrations
Pune, 8th July 2025: Punit Balan, young entrepreneur and president of the Punit Balan Group, has taken a firm stand against the rising trend of DJ-led celebrations during Pune’s iconic Ganeshotsav. Announcing that his group will not extend any financial support or advertisement sponsorships to Ganesh Mandals that use DJs or play inappropriate music, Balan called for a return to a more religious, cultural, and traditional observance of the festival.
Speaking at a musical worship ceremony of the Dhol-Tasha team from Samarth Pratishthan, Balan emphasized that Ganeshotsav, a festival deeply rooted in history and national unity, should not be overshadowed by loud, vulgar music and showmanship.
“Public Ganeshotsav in Pune began over 132 years ago, initiated by visionaries like Lokmanya Tilak and Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari with the aim of uniting people during the freedom movement. Post-independence, the festival continued to be a platform for promoting cultural values,” Balan said.
“However,” he added, “in recent times, some mandals have resorted to erecting massive speaker walls and playing obscene songs, which is against the spirit and sanctity of our tradition. Such practices tarnish the image of Ganeshotsav and need to stop immediately.”
Balan was joined on the occasion by Member of Parliament Medha Kulkarni, Kasba MLA Hemant Rasane, and other dignitaries and office bearers.
The Punit Balan Group and Manikchand Oxyrich have historically extended significant financial support to various Ganesh Mandals in the form of advertisements and sponsorships. However, this year, Balan made it clear that no aid would be provided to mandals that indulge in DJ-based celebrations or violate cultural norms.
“Our festivals are meant to preserve the sanctity of our deities. Playing vulgar songs in the name of celebration is disrespectful. We must ensure Ganeshotsav reflects the devotional and cultural richness it is known for,” Balan stated.
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His declaration has received widespread appreciation from various segments of society, including cultural groups, senior citizens, and social organizations, who echoed his sentiment that Ganeshotsav must be DJ-free and aligned with Indian traditions.
Pune: डिजे लावणार्या गणेश मंडळांना मदत नाही, डीजेमुक्त गणेशोत्सवासाठी पुनीत बालन यांचा पुढाकार
