Mandals still swear by Bollywood: Activists

Mumbai: Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations have scaled down significantly after the governing body of all the mandals, Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshutsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), restricted all the mandals to discontinue using DJs and playing Bollywood songs during the festival. Thus, now the mandals have resorted to banjos and dhols to celebrate the festivals. However, activists allege that the mandals are blatantly playing Bollywood songs through dhols while crossing sensitive areas like hospitals.

Awaaz Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that works on environmental issues like noise pollution, received a few complaints on the first day of the festival itself wherein the residents complained about escalating noise levels. “We haven’t taken any reading about the noise levels yet, but we received 4-5 complaints on loud noise from areas like Girgaum, Parel and Bandra,” said Sumaira Abdulali, founder of Awaaz Foundation.  

Meanwhile, it has been also observed that the mandals continue to stick to Bollywood songs. “Although the mandals are restricted to play Bollywood music, they are using their banjos and dhols to play filmy songs. I heard Marathi song beats being played on the first day at a hospital in Ulhasnagar,” said Sarita Khanchandani, an environment activist from Ulhasnagar.  

However, the BSGSS has warned all the mandals that if residents file a complaint about a mandal flouting rules, that particular mandal will be pulled by the body. “We have already gave them a warning. There are also police officials to keep a watch on such mandals. If they face any police action, then we will not help them,” said BSGSS president Naresh Dahibhawkar.

The mandals have been asked to use loudspeakers only to play aartis and devotional songs during the morning and evening hours.