Maharashtra Pushes for DJ‑Free Festivals Over Health Risks

In recent weeks, a quiet yet forceful movement has taken shape across Maharashtra: a call for festivals that skip the blaring DJ booths and stick to traditional music. The plea isn’t just a matter of taste; it’s being driven by a very personal tragedy and growing health‑risk data.

Meghana Bordikar, the state’s Minister of State for Health, stood before the media in Mumbai and recounted a heartbreaking loss – her own cousin had died after being exposed to an over‑powerful DJ system at a celebration last year. “We keep hearing the Supreme Court’s guidelines on noise limits, yet too many people ignore them,” she said, her voice tinged with both grief and resolve. “The use of DJs can lead to fatal consequences, and I have lived that loss.”

Joining her was Sanjay Shirsat, the district Guardian Minister, who underscored the administration’s readiness to clamp down on offenders. He promised that the city police would enforce the existing noise regulations with a firm hand – fines, equipment seizures, and even vehicle impoundment for those caught flouting the rules.

Shirsat also appealed directly to the Ganesh mandals that are gearing up for the upcoming celebrations. “We are not asking you to stop the festivity,” he explained, “but we are asking you to celebrate responsibly, without high‑decibel speakers that endanger public health.”

The call for a DJ‑free environment has found a vocal champion in Pune‑based activist Vidyanad Bapat, who has been rallying residents and cultural groups against noise pollution for months. Bapat argues that the relentless thump of bass speakers not only disrupts sleep and hearing but also contributes to long‑term cardiovascular stress.

Not everyone agrees, however. Minister Yogesh Kadam, speaking at a separate event in Pune, warned that attempts to ban DJ music outright could face resistance from devotees who see it as an integral part of modern celebrations. “Hindu festivals have always evolved,” he said. “We need a balanced approach, not a blanket ban.”

Despite the split opinions, the consensus among health officials is clear: the wellbeing of citizens must take precedence over the volume of a party. The Supreme Court’s past pronouncements on noise limits – 55 dB in residential zones during the day and 45 dB at night – remain the legal yardstick, but enforcement has been uneven.

As the city braces for the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, organisers are being urged to revisit their sound‑system plans. Many are already exploring acoustic alternatives, such as live bands, folk performances, and low‑volume speaker setups that respect the legal thresholds.

Whether Maharashtra’s appeal will reshape the soundscape of its festivals remains to be seen. What is certain, though, is that the conversation around public health, cultural expression, and noise pollution has finally hit a louder note – one that policymakers, activists, and citizens are all listening to.