Pune Ganeshotsav Shocker: Why Traditional Mandals Are Demanding A Ban On Plasma Speakers

By Prashant for PuneriPages.in

If you’ve grown up in Pune, you know the sound of Ganeshotsav. It’s not just music—it’s an entire feeling. The deep boom of the dhol, the sharp crack of the tasha, the energy that fills the streets. But in the past few years, something has changed. The old, earthy rhythm has started to get drowned in thumping bass and flashing lights. And here’s the twist: it’s not angry neighbours complaining this time—it’s the Ganesh Mandals themselves asking for a ban.

Why are Ganesh Mandals against plasma speakers?

In Sadashiv Peth, Narayan Peth, and a few other old Pune pockets, Mandal members recently sat down with Pune police. Their demand? A complete ban on plasma speakers and laser lights during the festival.

One senior Mandal member told me, “This isn’t about celebration anymore; it’s a competition of noise. It drowns our traditional music and turns a sacred festival into a chaotic disco. We want to bring back the reverence.”

For them, it’s about more than just sound. It’s about the atmosphere, the connection to tradition, and the kind of festival they want future generations to experience.

What is a plasma speaker and why is it controversial?

Explainer Box: What Are Plasma Speakers?

The Tech: Unlike regular speakers with magnets and cones, plasma speakers use ionized gas to create sound.
The Effect: Super loud, crystal clear, heavy bass—you can literally feel it in your chest.
The Problem: It’s so powerful that staying within legal noise limits is almost impossible. And for traditionalists, the sound just doesn’t fit the Ganeshotsav vibe.

Pune already has rules: no loud music past 10 PM and limits on decibel levels. But plasma speakers almost guarantee those rules get broken.

How can I complain about Ganeshotsav noise in Pune?

Here’s your quick guide:

Police Control Room: Dial 112
Social Media: Tweet or DM @PuneCityPolice on X (Twitter) with details
Local Police Station: Keep your local station’s number handy

If you’re someone who loves the old-school vibe, find Mandals that stick to dhol-tasha and skip the club-style setups.

The other side: Why some want modern tech to stay

Not everyone agrees with the ban idea. Some organisers believe that high-tech sound and light shows attract younger crowds and keep the festival fresh.

After meeting with Mandals, a Pune police official told me, “We will ensure compliance with noise rules, and any technology that violates them may be restricted.” Translation: they’re not promising a full ban yet.

The Road Ahead: Ganeshotsav has always changed with the times, but this is a big moment for the city. Can we keep it exciting without losing its soul? For now, Pune’s traditional Mandals are making sure the dhol-tasha still has the last word over the bass drop.