Why Pune Police Are Asking Ganesh Mandals To Skip Laser Shows This Year: A Guide To Safe Celebrations

By Prashant for PuneriPages.in

With Ganeshotsav around the corner, the excitement is already lighting up Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. And while we all look forward to the vibrant decorations, music, and devotion-filled atmosphere, there’s something important you should know this year—an advisory from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner. Simply put: Ganesh Mandals have been requested to avoid using laser shows during the festivities.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—”Why the sudden restriction?” Let me break it down for you. Once you understand the reasoning, I promise it won’t feel like a limitation at all. In fact, it’s all about making this beautiful celebration safe, respectful, and joyous for everyone.

So, Why Are Lasers a Problem?

1. They Can Harm Eyes

High-powered laser beams may look cool, but they can be dangerous. Even a brief moment of exposure can permanently damage your eyes. Imagine a beam hitting a reflective surface—like glass, a car, or even a building—and bouncing back into someone’s eye. Scary, right?

2. They’re a Serious Risk to Aircraft

Lasers aren’t just a local issue—they can reach kilometers into the sky. If a pilot gets even momentarily blinded by a beam, especially while landing or taking off, it can lead to serious consequences. And let’s not forget—Pune is close to active air routes. We don’t want our celebrations causing trouble in the skies.

3. They Distract Drivers and Disturb Citizens

Flashing beams across roads can confuse drivers and cause accidents. Plus, think about folks living nearby—especially elderly people or families with little kids. Bright lights sweeping into their homes late at night isn’t exactly festive for them.

What’s Allowed vs. What’s Not

To clear up the confusion, here’s what the police have actually said:

❌ Not Allowed:

Laser shows projecting beams into the sky
Handheld lasers used in crowds

✅ Allowed:

LED strip lights
Serial lights (aka fairy lights)
Halogen floodlights
Projection mapping (if used safely on pandals or buildings)

Safer Alternatives That Look Amazing

So, no lasers? No problem! Here are some creative, beautiful, and totally safe lighting ideas for this year’s celebrations:

Projection Mapping: Turn your pandal into a moving storybook with visuals of Ganpati Bappa’s tales. It’s artistic, mesmerizing, and tells a story.
Programmable LED Displays: Use LED boards to flash blessings, animations, or messages. These can add a hi-tech vibe without any risk.
Traditional Diyas and Lanterns: Let’s go old-school! Thousands of diyas and handmade lanterns create a divine ambiance. Plus, it’s eco-friendly.
Decor-Driven Themes: Think beyond lights—folk art, handcrafted decorations, sustainable materials. There’s so much you can do to make your pandal stand out in a meaningful way.

What the Police Really Want

This isn’t about banning something for the sake of it. Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey has been clear—this is about working together to keep everyone safe. They’re not here to ruin the mood; they just want to avoid accidents, health issues, and general discomfort.

Yes, if rules are broken, there might be legal consequences. But the focus is on awareness and cooperation—not confrontation.

Let’s Set the Example

Ganesh Mandals are more than just decoration teams—they’re cultural leaders. By choosing safety, creativity, and tradition over risky tech, they can inspire others to do the same.

This year, let’s show everyone how Pune celebrates—responsibly, beautifully, and with full devotion to Bappa.

Let’s make this Ganeshotsav joyful, safe, and unforgettable—for all the right reasons.

Jai Ganesh!