Pune: Ganapati processions in Alandi will remain free of DJ music systems for the second consecutive year after mandals agreed to the restriction at a recent meeting with the municipal council and police authorities.The decision is significant as the pilgrim town attracts Ganesh mandals from Pimpri Chinchwad and rural Pune for idol immersion in the Indrayani river.Alandi Municipal Council (AMC) chief officer Madhav Khandekar said the restriction would apply to processions entering the town from outside the council limits.“This is the second consecutive year that processions in the town will be held without high-decibel music systems. Even outside Alandi council limits, the music systems will not be allowed in processions coming to Alandi,” Khandekar told TOI.Residents have welcomed the decision, saying loud sound systems had caused considerable disturbance during previous festivals. They said the move would provide relief to elderly residents, children and pilgrims, while also helping reduce noise and traffic-related disruptions during immersion processions.Traditional musical instruments will be encouraged instead. “During Ganeshotsav, the sound from loudspeakers continues for hours. It is difficult for elderly people, children and those who have to work the next morning. The festival should create devotion and happiness, not make residents suffer because of excessive noise,” said Ganesh Kamble, a resident of Alandi.Another resident said the issue was not about opposing Ganeshotsav celebrations but the growing competition among mandals over sound systems. “Earlier, traditional instruments were enough to create a festive atmosphere. The use of powerful sound systems turned processions into a competition over who could play louder. Mandals have themselves agreed to avoid DJ music systems for the second consecutive year. It shows the way for other towns in the state,” said Somnath Gaikwad, an activist and resident.Organisers have been asked to complete immersion processions within the prescribed time and cooperate with the administration to prevent prolonged traffic disruption.“Alandi’s roads handle heavy movement of pilgrims and local traffic. During Ganeshotsav, processions from different parts of Pune district converge on the town, putting additional pressure on the road network,” said Prashant Kurhade, president of AMC.The administration has also pushed for environmentally responsible celebrations. Mandals have been encouraged to use shadu clay idols and ensure proper disposal of nirmalya.
