Pune ganesh mandals oppose DJ curbs, seek permission to use till midnight

The mandals demanded that permissions for sound systems be issued through a single-window mechanism involving the civic body, police and other departments.

Ganesh mandals on Monday opposed restrictions on DJ and sound systems during Ganeshotsav and Dahi Handi, demanding permission for four bass and four top DJ systems and use of loudspeakers until midnight. They also sought a uniform policy on sound systems, saying rules should not change every year.

The mandals demanded that permissions for sound systems be issued through a single-window mechanism involving the civic body, police and other departments. (HT)

The demands were raised at a preparatory meeting for Ganeshotsav attended by mayor Manjusha Nagpure, deputy mayor Parshuram Wadekar, municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, additional commissioner Sanjay Darade and additional police commissioner Rajesh Bansode.

Mandal representatives demands

Mandal representatives argued that restrictions should be applied uniformly and should not selectively target DJs. They also questioned curbs on dhol-tasha groups, pointing to an event attended by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in Nagpur where such groups performed.

The mandals demanded that permissions for sound systems be issued through a single-window mechanism involving the civic body, police and other departments. They also sought that permissions, once granted, remain valid for five years, referring to an earlier suggestion by Fadnavis. Representatives questioned the need for mandals to apply afresh every year if five-year permissions are approved.

An understanding was reached that there would be no blanket ban on DJs, but plasma and pressure-media sound systems and laser lights would not be allowed. The mayor said mandals had agreed not to use plasma and pressure-media sound systems during Dahi Handi and Ganeshotsav.

The mandals further demanded two days for Ganesh idol immersion and urged the police to avoid imposing different restrictions each year. They sought a uniform set of rules for DJs and sound systems to be finalised and implemented from January 1, 2027.

Major roads, pothole repairs

Representatives also urged the administration not to shut major roads connecting the city to its eastern areas on immersion day and sought urgent pothole repairs to prevent accidents. They assured the police of cooperation in maintaining law and order during the festival.

Nagpure said the civic administration would focus on providing basic facilities to devotees and mandals. “The city roads will be made pothole-free and footpaths will be repaired. Welcome arches will be installed. QR codes will provide information about Ganesh mandals, including their locations, while toilets and Hirakani rooms will also be provided,” she said.

She added that there would be no fee or penalty on sponsor advertisements put up by mandals and no restriction on the number of mandals at designated locations.

The PMC will provide live coverage of the festival through its official website. The police and civic administration will coordinate traffic management, while information on road closures and parking arrangements will be shared with mandals.

The civic administration also plans to prepare a comprehensive festival rulebook during the year to ensure that the rules remain consistent and are not changed repeatedly before every Ganeshotsav.