Raj Thackeray Slams DJ Culture During Maharashtra Festivals, Urges People To Follow Traditional Practices
MNS chief Raj Thackeray has questioned the growing use of DJ sound systems and stage performances during festivals in Maharashtra, arguing that celebrations should follow local traditions. Speaking in Thane, he also raised concerns over laser lights and loud sound, questioned the DJ ban in Nagpur and warned people to remain vigilant against possible attempts to create riots during Ganeshotsav 2026.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has questioned the growing use of DJ systems and stage performances during festivals in Maharashtra, arguing that celebrations should be conducted according to the state's traditional culture. Speaking at an MNS workers' gathering in Thane on Sunday, Thackeray also warned of possible attempts to create riots during Ganeshotsav 2026.
Thackeray questioned the practice of bringing women onto stages to dance during Govinda celebrations and linked it to what he described as traditions from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, ABP Mazha reported. He also raised concerns over loud sound and laser lights, while questioning the state government's position on whether DJs can be legally banned. Dahi Handi 2026: Netizens Slam Dance Performances to Vulgar Songs, Ask ‘Is This Maharashtra Culture?’ (Videos).
Raj Thackeray Questions DJ Culture
Thackeray said that women dancing to DJ systems and at festivals was a culture associated with North India and questioned why such practices were being brought into Maharashtra's festivals. He urged people to celebrate festivals but asked why they were not being observed in a more traditional manner.
Speaking about Ganpati celebrations, Thackeray also described the emotional significance of bringing the idol home and taking it for immersion. He said a one-and-a-half-day Ganpati festival leaves his home feeling empty after the immersion and questioned how people should express their happiness during such celebrations. No More DJ in Nagpur! Police Bans Loud Sound Systems and Laser Lights During Festivities.
Thackeray also questioned the practice of bringing women onto stages to dance during Govinda celebrations. He said such practices were seen in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and questioned whether Maharashtra should adopt them. He argued that there should be a protocol for how festivals are celebrated and that it should reflect Maharashtra's own cultural traditions.
Thackeray raised concerns about the use of laser lights and high-volume sound systems during festivals. He said laser lights could potentially damage people's eyes and claimed that loud sound could pose risks to people with heart conditions.
He questioned the direction in which festival celebrations were moving and also referred to the historical purpose behind public festivals started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Thackeray urged people not to be ignorant about religion, while distinguishing between celebrating festivals and religious fanaticism.
The remarks come amid an ongoing debate in Maharashtra over the use of DJs during festivals. Thackeray questioned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' reported position that DJs cannot be banned through legislation.
He asked how DJs had been banned in Nagpur if a legal prohibition was not possible. The issue remains a subject of debate during festival celebrations, particularly over noise levels and the enforcement of existing regulations.
Warning Of Possible Riots During Ganeshotsav
Thackeray also expressed concern that attempts could be made to trigger communal unrest during Ganeshotsav and other upcoming festivals. He said he was particularly worried that incidents could be used to divert public attention from other issues.
He referred to recent incidents in Mumbai and urged Hindus and Muslims who are well-informed to remain vigilant. Thackeray's warning comes ahead of Ganeshotsav, when large public celebrations are held across Maharashtra.
Thackeray's remarks focused on the need to preserve what he described as Maharashtra's traditional approach to festivals while limiting practices he believes are inappropriate or potentially harmful.
He also called for greater awareness around religious celebrations and cautioned against religious fanaticism. His comments are likely to add to the ongoing political and public debate in Maharashtra over DJ use, festival regulation and the changing nature of public celebrations.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2026 03:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
