Pune shall celebrate Ganapati Visajan with traditional roars of Dhol-Tasha and Toli of devotees after the Supreme Court overturned the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) restrictions. The judgment provides relief to the dhol-tasha performers and is hailed as a monumental win for Hindu cultural traditions.
CJI Chandrachud, while hearing the petition, emphasized the cultural significance of the festival for Pune and Bhara. He stated, “Let them do their dhol-tasha, it’s in the heart of Pune!” The apex court’s ruling has restored the celebratory spirit of the Ganpati festival. Additionally, it preserves the traditions that are deeply intertwined with the heritage of Pune and Hindu Dharma.
The Pune Noise Problem: NGT’s Overreach vs. Cultural Tradition
On 30th August 2024, the NGT bench for the Western Ghat zone issued a list of directives. Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and Dr Vijay Kulkarni, as an expert member, constituted this NGT bench. The order places many restrictions related to noise polution on the Ganpati Visarjan celebrations. Most of which the Hindu devotees of Maharashtra found fair and acceptable.Â
However, the 4th directive of this NGT bench limited the number of dhol-tasha-zanj group members to 30 per troupe.
And it empowered the Pune Police to seize in case this directive was violated! This decision was met with disappointment and resistance from the public. Many believe that it disregarded the cultural and historical importance of the dhol-tasha-zanj in Ganpati Utsav. The sounds of dhol accompanied by tasha and the resonating chimes of the Zanj have been a vital part of the Ganpati celebrations in Pune for over a century.
Hence, the NGT’s restrictions were seen as an attack on the very fabric of the festival, dampening the enthusiasm and joy of both performers and devotees alike.
Many devotees felt that the NGT while addressing noise pollution, overstepped by limiting the participation of traditional performers. Why? Because there is no substantial evidence that dhol-tasha-zanj groups contribute to environmental harm. Advocate Amit Pai, representing the petitioners against this order, presented that the NGT restrictions primarily target loudspeakers. Hence, traditional instruments like dhol, tasha, and zanj should not be included in the order. These instruments have been an integral part of Pune’s cultural landscape since the time of Lokmanya Tilak.Â
The Supreme Court “Stay” Celebrates Hindu Dharma
The Supreme Court’s ruling, which stays only the 4th directive passed by the NGT, was met with jubilation. It is not just a legal victory but a celebration of the Hindu community’s right to practice and preserve its traditions. The Pune Ganpati festival is a deeply revered event. Millions of devotees take part in the festivities every year. The dhol-tasha-zanj groups, often consisting of hundreds of performers, symbolize the energy and vibrancy of the celebrations, resonating with the heartbeat of the city.
fortunately, the SC’s intervention came just in time, as the Visarjan is scheduled for 17th September 2024.
Thus, the order to stay the NGT’s restrictions allows for the full-fledged participation of traditional troupes. Thereby, ensuring that the spirit of Hindu Dharma remains untarnished by arbitrary legal constraints. This ruling has reaffirmed the importance of cultural practices. And it highlights the need for the judiciary to respect the sentiments of the masses. Traditions are carved by society for civilizational transfer of knowledge, religion, and culture through generations. If they do not pose a significant threat to the environment, they must be allowed to continue without unnecessary restrictions.
A Cautionary Tale for Future Restrictions
While the NGT’s concerns about noise pollution are valid, this case serves as a reminder that restrictions must respect cultural sensitivity. The festival of Ganesh Utsav has always been about community participation, devotion, and celebration. By attempting to impose restrictions in Pune without consulting the stakeholders, the NGT’s order not only disregarded the local customs.
Additionally, it trivialized the role of customs in Hindu festivals that maintain societal cohesion through celebration.
The apex court’s decision highlights the judiciary’s role in protecting cultural heritage and upholding the spirit of Hindu festivals. In a diverse country like Bharat, traditions and rituals are an integral part of society. By allowing the dhol-tasha groups to perform without restrictions, the court has ensured that the celebration of Ganpati Visarjan will continue with its traditional grandeur.
A Celebration of Justice and Faith
This year the Ganpati Utsav is riddled with controversies. In some places, the idols are broken and vandalized by “peacefuls”. While other places suffer from riots due to “peaceful” intolerance of Ganesh Visarjan! Even a visit by the PM to the CJI’s celebration of Ganapati celebraions is causing a storm in the media and toolkit!
Thus, the Supreme Court’s stay on the NGT’s restrictive order is a significant victory for the Hindu community.
Additionally, it delivers justice to a community beleaguered by the unwanted aggression of a “peaceful” community and leftist nay-sayers! Hence, the order preserves the cultural traditions in Pune that define the Ganpati Visarjan. Moreover, it reinforces the importance of respecting the religious practices of Hindus. This decision allows Pune’s streets to once again echo with the rhythmic beats of dhol-tasha-zanj. Moreover, it honors the Marathi Manus’ spirit of devotion and unity that the Ganpati festival brings to the city.
Let this ruling set a precedent for safeguarding Hindu festivals from arbitrary restrictions and unwanted criticism. Moreover, let the lusture of the cultural essence of Sanatana Bharat remain shiny and vibrant through each cycle of celebration.
