Stick to devotional songs during festivals

Ganpati celebrations have become synonymous with loud music. DNA asks youngsters if playing devotional music has become a thing of the past.

Apart from restriction on the deadline for playing music, there should also be restriction regarding the type of music. Organisers seem oblivious to traditional celebrations. Authorities should check and see that the rules are followed.
Khevna Pandit, KC College

It’s not fair to blame the pandal organisers. People in charge should act responsibly and see that no vulgar songs are played. We focus more on the decorations than the pooja. Bollywood music shouldn’t  be allowed during Ganpati.
Jai Khemani, INIFT

The way we celebrate at home and in the huge pandals is different. Many pandals play Bollywood and English songs during Ganpati which have no relevance to the festival. At home we only play bhajans or chant mantra.
Shivali Pandit, SNDT College

Only bhajans should be played during Ganpati. Then only will the young generation listen to this and know the real celebration. The music is also too loud. We need to pay heed to the ganesh idol than the loud and extravagant celebration.
Neha Buddhadev, NM College

Expert speak

Our mandals play Marathi bhajans

We usually play the songs that can be referred to as shubham sangeet which is classical Marathi music. Along with classical songs, we also play Marathi devotional songs. On the golden jubilee celebration of the state, we want to have our programs focusing on the history of Mahrashtra. The theme of the mandals will revolve around the formation and details about the state. Such events will educate people and it will be interesting to know the details for youngsters as well. We are also fine with playing Hindi songs, but it should be Hindi classical bhajans and devotional music. We are strictly against any kind of vulgar songs to be played in the mandals. We handle almost 12,000 mandals, and we have already told them to stick to Marathi and Hindi devotional music and bhajans. If they play any kind of inappropriate songs, then we will take action against them.    
Naresh Dahibawkar, president, Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvaya Samiti