With Ganeshotsav approaching, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called for greater restraint in the use of high decibel DJ systems during festival celebrations. He said the government was working towards building a broader consensus on reducing excessive noise rather than relying only on strict enforcement. Fadnavis compared the experience of extremely loud DJ systems to the sound and vibrations associated with an earthquake, highlighting the impact that excessive noise can have on residents. He also backed a return to more traditional forms of celebrating the festival.

The Chief Minister's comments come as the issue of DJ use has become increasingly contentious in Maharashtra. Several cities are introducing tighter restrictions on loud sound systems, while some Ganesh mandals and festival groups have argued for greater freedom during processions and celebrations. In Pune, the debate has gained particular attention, with citizens raising concerns about noise pollution and calling for stronger enforcement of existing regulations. Fadnavis has appealed to Pune residents to demonstrate that Ganeshotsav can be celebrated with enthusiasm without depending on extremely loud DJ setups. Police authorities are also preparing for stricter monitoring during the festival.

In Pune, officials have announced limits on the scale of sound systems, while Mumbai Police are expected to use decibel meters at important festival locations to check compliance with permissible noise levels. Fadnavis has maintained that the objective is not to stop people from celebrating or using music altogether, but to prevent excessive noise that can disturb residents. He has stressed that public participation and voluntary cooperation could make it easier to address the issue. The discussion comes ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14, 2026, when large scale celebrations and processions will begin across Maharashtra. With the festival attracting thousands of devotees and major public gatherings, the balance between celebration, tradition and noise-control rules is likely to remain a key issue.