Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Thackeray said festivals should spread happiness and bring people together rather than cause disturbance because of excessive noise.
Thackeray urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, to call a meeting with all stakeholders to discuss measures to control noise pollution during festivals, the news agency reported. His appeal comes ahead of next week's Ganesh festival, when large public celebrations are expected across the state.
“Celebrations should not be noisy. They should make people happy, not bother them,” Thackeray said, adding that people want to celebrate but do not want the problems caused by excessive noise, according to the PTI.
He also said his party was ready to take a stand on the issue.
The demand for festivals without high-powered DJs and loudspeakers has been gaining support in Maharashtra. Pune-based activist Vidyanand Bapat has emerged as a prominent voice in the campaign against high-decibel sound systems during festivals. Supporters of the campaign have raised concerns about the impact of excessive noise on residents and public spaces.
Thackeray's comments add political support to the growing debate over how festival celebrations should be conducted while reducing noise pollution.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also spoke about inappropriate dance performances reported at some Dahi Handi events in the state.
Questioning those who promote what he described as “neo-Hindutva”, Thackeray asked whether such performances were acceptable to them and whether they fitted their understanding of Hindutva, as per the PTI.
He questioned the standards being followed at some public celebrations and called for greater attention to the nature of cultural programmes held during festivals.
Thackeray also criticised the state and central governments, claiming that those in power did not know how to administer effectively.
His remarks came during a wider discussion on festival celebrations, public conduct and the government's responsibility to regulate activities while allowing people to enjoy cultural and religious events, reported the PTI.
The debate over high-decibel music during festivals has highlighted the challenge of balancing traditional celebrations with the concerns of residents affected by excessive noise.
Thackeray's call for a stakeholder meeting before the Ganesh festival places the issue of festival noise pollution and DJ regulation back in the spotlight as Maharashtra prepares for the upcoming celebrations.
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