Over 25 mandals join hands to celebrate DJ-free Dahi Handi together

Pune: More than 25 mandals from core city areas are planning to join hands and celebrate a DJ-free Dahi Handitogether on Sept 5, instead of individual celebrations with loud music systems. The move comes amid rising opposition to the use of high-decibel speaker systems contributing to noise pollution during festivals, as well as to give relief to commuters from traffic chaos.Among key mandals participating in the combined Dahi Handi event are Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganapati Trust, Tulshibaug Sarvajanik Ganpati Utsav Mandal, Sane Guruji Tarun Mandal and Shree Tambadi Jogeshwari Sarvjanik Ganeshotsav Mandal. Workers from these mandals said high-decibel sound was the main cause of hardship to nearby residents, and they planned not to use DJ systems this year. Instead, dhol tasha and traditional instruments would be played at the celebrations planned at Lal Mahal Chowk.The decision of the mandals to shun high-decibel speakers assumes importance against the backdrop of citizens’ firm stand against loud music. Residents welcomed the mandals’ move and said more should follow in their footsteps.Senior citizen Ashok Mujumdar, a resident of Kothrud, said, “It is indeed a good initiative that mandals will not install speakers to blare music. We hope many more mandals will follow, not only for Dahi Handi but also during Ganeshotsav.”Baner Road resident Anant Mankar said hundreds of mandals and groups celebrate Dahi Handi every year. “At least 25 mandals have agreed to opt for less noisy celebrations. Many more should do the same for upcoming festivals. Athshould highlight such initiatives to encourage people to go for noise-free celebrations.”Chief minister Devenra Fadnavis during his visit to the city on Monday had said Pune would set an example for the rest of the state by celebrating Ganeshotsav in a traditional way instead of getting into a controversy on whether the festival should be celebrated with DJ or not. Leaders from opposition parties in PMC opposed playing DJs during the festival and said the Ganeshotsav should be celebrated in a traditional manner.