Punit Balan Declares No Aid For DJ-Playing Ganpati Mandals

The glorious tradition of the Ganpati festival in Pune, with its roots deeply embedded in the city’s socio-cultural identity, is no longer a local affair — it has become a global attraction.

Punit Balan Declares No Aid For DJ-Playing Ganpati Mandals

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The glorious tradition of the Ganpati festival in Pune, with its roots deeply embedded in the city’s socio-cultural identity, is no longer a local affair — it has become a global attraction. Every year, devotees from around the world are drawn to Pune’s vibrant and historic Ganeshotsav. However, concerns have been growing about how the festival has deviated from its traditional path, especially with the increasing use of deafening DJ music and vulgar songs.

In an effort to restore the religious and cultural sanctity of Ganeshotsav, Punit Balan, President of the Punit Balan Group (PBG), has announced that Ganpati mandals playing loud DJ music or vulgar songs will no longer receive financial aid in the form of advertisements from his group. This significant decision was declared during a programme organised by Samarth Pratishthan to offer a ceremonial worship of their Dhol-Tasha Pathak’s musical instruments. Present at the event were Member of Parliament Medha Kulkarni, Kasba Peth MLA Hemant Rasane, and other dignitaries.

Balan emphasized that the essence of the festival must be preserved. “Pune’s Ganeshotsav has a legacy of over 132 years. It was initiated by visionaries like Lokmanya Tilak and Bhausaheb Rangari to unite people during the Freedom Struggle. After Independence, the festival evolved to become a showcase of culture and devotion. Unfortunately, in recent times, some mandals have replaced this heritage with massive sound systems and obscene music. This undermines the festival's purpose and does not align with our cultural ethos,” he said.

He further added that while music and celebration are an integral part of the festival, they should reflect reverence, discipline, and tradition. Punit Balan stressed the importance of promoting traditional Dhol-Tasha troupes, devotional songs, and cultural performances that honor Lord Ganesha rather than distract from his spiritual presence.

The financial backing for Ganpati mandals through advertisements from groups like Manikchand Oxyrich and the Punit Balan Group has traditionally been a major source of support. With this policy shift, mandals will now be required to adhere to traditional practices to qualify for aid. The move has sparked important conversations across the city, with many cultural leaders, citizens, and spiritual organizations coming out in support of Balan’s initiative.

Local residents and activists have praised the decision, calling it a much-needed step towards preserving the spiritual dignity of Ganeshotsav. Many hope this initiative will inspire other philanthropists and corporate sponsors to set similar standards, encouraging a return to the festival's roots — one of devotion, unity, and cultural pride.