Pune: ‘Solapur Model’ of Noise-Free Celebrations Can Be Successfully Implemented in Pune: Siddharam Patil
Pune, 11th September 2026: The ‘Solapur Model’ of celebrating festivals without DJs and excessive noise can be successfully implemented in Pune through public participation, dialogue, sustained awareness campaigns and strict adherence to the law, said senior journalist and chief promoter of the ‘DJ-Free Solapur’ campaign, Siddharam Patil.
Patil was speaking during an interaction organised by the Jagruk Punekar Nagrik Samiti at the historic Kesari Wada in Pune. The session was conducted by Saurabh Veerkar.
Patil explained how the DJ-free movement in Solapur evolved into a public campaign involving citizens, social organisations, doctors, lawyers, journalists, senior citizens and students. According to him, Solapur witnesses various festivals and celebrations on around 187 days a year, making noise pollution a significant concern for residents.
He said the campaign gained momentum after incidents highlighting the adverse effects of excessive noise during processions. Following discussions with various community organisations, a common position emerged that laws governing noise levels should apply equally to everyone.
The campaign later brought together 24 organisations, while 152 prominent citizens participated in its first meeting. Patil claimed that around 48,000 citizens signed affidavits opposing DJs in a single day, while nearly 3,000 students participated in a human chain to spread awareness.
Ahead of Ganeshotsav, around 500 Ganesh mandal representatives participated in a peace committee meeting. Patil said none of the participating mandals demanded DJs and instead expressed their willingness to celebrate the festival without them.
“This change was not brought about only through rules or police action. Dialogue and awareness played an equally important role,” Patil said.
He added that the campaign eventually reached around three lakh citizens directly or indirectly. Political leaders joined the movement only after it had gained substantial public support.
Patil stressed that social change cannot be achieved merely by criticising people or imposing restrictions. “It is more important to reach people through dialogue and explain the reasons behind the restrictions,” he said.
He also said that enforcement of noise regulations, along with dialogue between the administration and citizens, helped create an environment for reducing the use of loudspeakers in Solapur.
“The purpose of festivals is to bring society together, impart values and pass those values on to the next generation. Festivals should therefore be celebrated in a manner that does not cause inconvenience to others,” Patil said.
He expressed confidence that Pune could also develop a successful model of noise-free celebrations if different sections of society, including festival organisers, civic authorities, police and citizens, worked together.
During the interaction, Saurabh Veerkar said Ganeshotsav should be celebrated with enthusiasm while ensuring that other citizens are not inconvenienced. Nilesh Dhayarkar appealed to citizens and mandals to follow court and government regulations and maintain prescribed noise limits.
Mahesh Suryawanshi praised mandals that have continued to celebrate festivals through traditional practices, while Kunal Tilak called for a clear and comprehensive sound-management policy covering all religions, festivals and processions in Pune.
Vasundhara Kashikar appealed to citizens to join the Jagruk Punekar Nagrik Samiti’s campaign for noise-free celebrations. The programme was conducted by Sumit Dole.
During the event, Adarsh Bal Mandal, Samata Pratishthan and Kings Boys Group were felicitated for celebrating festivals without loudspeakers.
The programme was organised with the participation of Poornam Ecovision Foundation, Siddheshwar Temple Trust, Lokshahi Jagru Manch, Rashtra Pratham Foundation, Surajya Sarvangiṇ Prakalp and Samata Pratishthan.
