Dharwad : Despite the Supreme Court’s ban, the govt and police have failed to curb the DJ menace during Ganesha festival. Many Lord Ganesha devotees who oppose DJ music have resolved not to donate to public Ganesha festival organisers who use DJs during installation and immersion processions. They maintain that choosing whether to donate is their right, and have called for peaceful and inclusive celebrations. Since Dharwad is a synonym for peace and happiness, residents are wishing to maintain the peace with celebrations.
“Whenever these questions are raised, ordinary people start branding those who ask them as “intellectuals” and portraying them as if they are not citizens. As you said, I only pray that Ganesha and his family bless everyone with some wisdom,” added Sharad. Requesting anonymity, president of a Yuvaka Sangh in Dharwad said that many local residents are enquiring about whether DJs are being employed, and when we say yes, they are politely denying to offer donations. Citizens, who are told such lies, will not believe us next year.
Prof Gopalkrishna Kamalapur from Dharwad has made a request in Dharwad Bonds, a Facebook group, clarifying that he is not against Ganesha festival celebrations. “We don’t object to singing, dance and enjoyment but the celebration should include one and all. However, we should introspect whether industry level DJ music, laser lights and high decibel sound are needed? Such introspection is needed in the interest of one’s health and concern about the next generation. Hence, we have taken a resolution that ensuring the good utilisation of our generous donation is our right. Our hard earned money should conserve our culture, not sadistic entertainment. Music under tolerable limits, devotion without extremity, celebration without disturbing others, concern of children, pregnant women, seniors and all should become part and parcel of the festival” he added. Then they say, why only for our festival? Why not for their festival too? and once again try to bring politics into it. Of late, whenever someone questions something like this, a concept has emerged that they should be branded as anti-national. From that point onwards, the real destruction has begun. “This has become a debate among public Ganesha festival organisers. Many of our friends are lying that no DJ will be employed this year, but have already booked them. So we are in a dilemma” he shared.