Priya Pharande, Program Manager, CYDA
Festivals in India have always been a blend of devotion, tradition, and community celebration. Over the years, however, the excessive use of DJs and loud music systems during Ganeshotsav, Dahi-Handi, and other festivals has raised concerns about noise pollution, traffic chaos, and health issues.
“The noise… is constant, unrelenting noise. I had a full-blown anxiety attack… Even AirPods… are useless.” “These… DJ’s start… at 5 pm and do not stop till midnight… How are decent people supposed to study/work?” “At Ganapati visarjan mirvanuk. DJ is as loud, my house is 600 meters inside from the main road, still my window glasses shattered with the higher sound of the DJ” These are some reactions from citizens of Pune city.
India’s festivals often become unintentional sound marathons between two mandals. Noise levels routinely exceed safe limits, with serious consequences. Excessive noise is linked to stress, hearing problems, and sleep disturbances. DJ trucks and large sound systems often block roads, creating traffic congestion and making it difficult for emergency services to operate. DJ systems often exceed permissible decibel levels, disturbing senior citizens, patients, children, and even animals.
A few years back, during Janmashtami, Mumbai recorded sound levels that hit 117.3 dB while Ganapati celebrations soared to 121.4 dB, far above the WHO-recommended safety norms. Persistent exposure above 85 dB raises the risk of hearing loss, sleep disturbances, stress, cardiovascular issues and exposure beyond 81 dB has been linked to pre-hypertension and cognitive decline.
In Vadodara, nearby forest rescue centres report that loud DJ music and firecrackers have caused trauma in injured animals and zoo inhabitants, including tigers and monkeys, who become restless and distressed due to loud music. In Kodagu (Karnataka), authorities banned DJ systems during Ganesha processions after an ENT specialist warned that sounds above 90 dB can cause irreversible ear and heart damage, especially in infants.
In Maharashtra, residential limits stand at 55 dB (day) and 45 dB (night). The NGT’s Pune bench mandated real-time monitoring around Ganesh pandals, though some municipal data is still questioned by experts. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) caps noise at 90 dB, with 50 dB limits in quiet zones such as hospital and school areas.
A DJ-free approach ensures that celebrations remain healthy and enjoyable for all sections of society. DJ-free celebrations ensure that the joy of festivals is not overshadowed by harmful noise levels. Maharashtra has a rich tradition of Dhol-Tasha pathaks, lezim, and local bands. By avoiding DJs, festivals give more space to these cultural expressions, keeping traditions alive for the younger generation.
The movement towards DJ-free festivals is not about reducing joy; it is about celebrating responsibly. By focusing on traditional music, community participation, and culture. India can set a benchmark for eco-friendly and people-friendly festivities. DJ-free celebrations are not only possible but also more meaningful. They remind us that the essence of festivals lies in devotion, togetherness, and culture, not in loud decibels.
In Pune, the Punit Balan Group-led combined Dahi-Handi not only cuts down on sound pollution but also aims to ease traffic snarls in central Pune and alleviate strain on local authorities and police, achieving smoother movement and safer crowds. This shows how DJ-free events can be tied to logistical planning, enhancing both civic efficiency and festive unity. DJs are often associated with party energy, and there’s renewed appreciation for traditional rhythms and instruments that root celebrations in Maharashtra’s culture. In Hyderabad, residents launched the #DitchTheDJ campaign, advocating quieter celebrations to honor the ritual while reducing disturbance. Bombay’s High Court has imposed restrictions on DJs and amplified sound during Ganeshotsav to curb noise pollution.
These efforts reflect a growing consensus that piety, joy, and community can coexist with peace and respect. A study of Mumbai’s Ganeshotsav during the COVID-19 lockdown revealed dramatic declines in noise levels from peaks of ~102 dB in 2018 to around 73.7 dB in 2020 owing to suspended processions and audio restrictions. This experience highlighted that simpler, less amplified celebrations are not only possible but beneficial and it has inspired continued efforts for eco-friendly and health-conscious festivities.
Organizations like Awaaz Foundation have long championed noise regulations, citizen monitoring, and legal reform to protect communities during festivals. Their advocacy led to defining “silence zones“ around sensitive areas and enforcement of noise norms, helping shift public behaviour and government policy. Such groundwork supports grassroots initiatives like DJ-free celebrations and reinforces them within a legal and social framework.DJ free festivals not only give space to traditional approaches, but they also give respect, health and peace.
