Pune: In a troubling incident that highlights the dangers of excessive noise during public celebrations, Sagar More, a resident of Katraj and a member of the Shoor Shivba Mitra Mandal, has suffered significant hearing loss after standing near a loud DJ system for four hours during the Ganesh Visarjan (immersion) procession.
The event unfolded on the final day of the Ganesh immersion, when DJs played loud music despite a citywide ban. Sagar was part of the procession and stood on the same tractor carrying the DJ for nearly four hours as the immersion parade made its way through Katraj.
When the procession finally halted at Katraj Lake, he got off the tractor only to realize that he could no longer hear anything.
Immediate medical intervention restored partial hearing in one ear, but Sagar’s other ear remains permanently affected."On the day of the immersion procession, I tried at least twice to get everyone off the tractor.
The sound systems of four different mandals were playing simultaneously near Katraj bus station. When we reached the lake, Sagar realized his hearing was gone," said former city councilor Vasant More.
This incident reflects the growing concern about the health hazards posed by loud DJs, especially during large public gatherings. Despite a ban on DJs in immersion processions, their use remains widespread, leading to several cases of temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Doctors and experts have also voiced concerns over the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to loud sound and bright lights.
Sagar More’s wife, Nisha, expressed her concern: "We must enjoy celebrations, but not at the cost of harming others. What happened to us should be a lesson for everyone."
Experts are urging the public and authorities to rethink the use of DJs and high-volume sound systems during festivals. "Eyes and ears are among the most sensitive organs in the human body, and overexposure to loud noises can cause long-term damage.
Many young people experience hearing issues after such processions. The use of DJs, laser shows, and bright lights should be strictly controlled to prevent such incidents," said Dr. Manohar Jadhav.