Ganesh pandals to pull the plug on DJs to protect crumbling Mandvi gate!

Time of India

15-07-2025

Vadodara: The pounding bass of DJ music has long been a familiar sound during Ganesh festivities in Vadodara's walled city. But this year, that beat will fall silent — at least around the centuries-old Mandvi Gate.
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With its crumbling arches and weathered stones already under strain, organizers of Ganesh pandals have taken a conscious step back, choosing heritage over volume. For the first time, no DJ systems will blast music near Mandvi and the four historic gates, in a bid to shield the city's fragile architectural legacy from further harm.
During immersion processions, DJ speakers often blare for nearly 10 hours at a stretch, pumping out sound levels between 80 and 100 decibels.
While the music adds energy to the celebrations, such prolonged exposure to high-decibel, bass-heavy sound can have a serious impact on old and fragile structures. Experts say that sustained noise above 85–90 decibels can cause vibrations strong enough to crack plaster and weaken already dilapidated buildings — a real threat to heritage sites like the Mandvi Gate.
The decision was made on Tuesday during a meeting between Ganesh pandal organizers and senior police officials.
"It's a historic move. The Ganesh pandal association voluntarily agreed to avoid DJ music after we explained the damage it could cause to heritage structures like Mandvi, which is already undergoing repairs. All the organisers assured us they would abide by the decision," said MP Bhojani, ACP (G Division).
The walled city hosts hundreds of Ganesh pandals, and each year, major processions pass through Mandvi Road or the four iconic gates.
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The loud music from DJ systems has often caused vibrations that affect the old structures and even the walls of nearby houses.
"The police officials shared their concerns, and we understand the seriousness of the situation. Mandvi Gate is a vital part of our city's heritage, and we don't want to contribute to its further deterioration. So we've agreed not to use DJ systems in the entire walled city this year," said Jay Thakore of Pratap Marghani Pol Yuvak Mandal in Mangal Bazaar.
Thakore is also a member of the Ganeshutsav Mandal.
"Only traditional instruments and dhols will be used during the festivities in the walled city," he added.
Another organiser from Dandia Bazaar echoed the sentiment: "The Ganesh festival is about devotion and unity. Our celebrations should not come at the cost of our heritage. We've decided not to use DJ music near any old structure in the walled city."
Mandvi Gate, a 16th-century structure, has long been in a dilapidated condition. As reported by TOI in March this year, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation had initiated repair and restoration work, with expert teams brought in to preserve the iconic monument.