By Janhvi Ahuja
A dhol-tasha troupe based in Pune has initiated a signature campaign titled “DJ and Dolby-free Processions” aimed at reducing noise pollution during Ganesh Chaturthi and other festivals, as reported by the news agency ANI. The campaign initially commenced on Sunday at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir.
This initiative was led by the Kalaawant Trust and it underscores the issues related to loud sound systems in public processions and rallies despite there being existing laws, regulations, and court orders. The Trust has called for a stringent prohibition on the use of DJs, Dolby, and other high-decibel sound systems during religious and cultural celebrations, commemorations of national figures, and decorative parades, as stated in a press release by ANI.
Many representatives have observed that the Ganesh Chaturthi visarjan processions in Latur, Solapur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar were all devoid of DJs this year, receiving commendation from locals. Nevertheless, the situation in Pune has led the group to initiate a city-wide campaign, as mentioned by ANI.
Marathi actor and chairman of the Kalaawant Trust, Saurabh Gokhale, mentioned that so far, approximately 3,000 signatures have been gathered through both online and offline methods. This memorandum is set to be presented to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for further action. The campaign activities will persist throughout Pune over the next three Sundays.
“Our initiative is a small but sincere effort to protect citizens, preserve our cultural traditions, and restore peace in public celebrations. We are not against festivals or devotional expressions, but against the misuse of high-decibel DJ, Dolby, and sound systems that cause health issues, disturb communities, and disrespect the sanctity of our traditions,” mentioned Gokhale.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was informed about the initiative during an event at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir. Numerous dhol-tasha performers from Kalaawant Pathak took part in the campaign aimed at promoting traditional instruments and art forms as substitutes for DJs.
In a statement to the media in Pune, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked that the government’s strategy is in line with the public’s desire for DJ-free festivals.
Fadnavis remarked that regarding the matter of DJ (Dolby sounds) free festivals, the government’s stance remains consistent. He mentioned that when these situations are viewed from a broader perspective, the number of individuals using DJs during this Ganesh festival has significantly decreased. In urban areas, it has nearly ceased altogether.
He further says that, The government’s goal is not merely to prohibit, but to foster greater awareness among the populace so that they choose not to use DJs during festivals. He believes that this approach is more effective and should yield better and long-lasting results.
The Kalaawant Trust, which operates the renowned Kalaawant Pathak in Pune, has been actively involved in the promotion of traditional performing arts, the preservation of cultural practices, and the encouragement of youth engagement. The Trust is of the opinion that minimizing noise pollution while revitalizing traditional instruments will contribute to making festivals more sustainable and inclusive.