Punit Balan, President of the Punit Balan Group, has taken a firm stance advocating for the celebration of Ganeshotsav in a more traditional and culturally respectful manner. He recently announced that financial assistance in the form of advertisements will not be extended to Ganpati mandals that incorporate DJ music and loud sound systems during the festival.
This initiative was shared during a programme organized by Samarth Pratishthan, where musical instruments of their Dhol-Tasha Pathak were worshipped. The event was attended by Member of Parliament Medha Kulkarni, Kasba Peth MLA Hemant Rasane, and other community representatives.
Balan referred to the historical significance of Pune’s Ganeshotsav, which has been celebrated for over 132 years. He highlighted the festival’s roots in India’s freedom movement, with contributions from leaders such as Lokmanya Tilak and Bhausaheb Rangari. Balan noted that, in recent years, some mandals have used large DJ setups and played inappropriate music, which, in his view, detracts from the cultural and religious spirit of the event.
Through this policy, Punit Balan aims to promote a more respectful and heritage-driven celebration of Ganeshotsav. The decision has received support from various community members and cultural organizations.
About Punit Balan
Punit Balan is an entrepreneur, cultural advocate, and philanthropist based in Pune, Maharashtra. He is the Chairman and Managing Director of the Punit Balan Group (PBG), a diversified business conglomerate with interests across real estate, infrastructure, media, sports, and entertainment. Under his leadership, the group has expanded its footprint across multiple sectors while actively supporting initiatives related to youth empowerment, education, and cultural preservation.
Beyond his business ventures, Balan is widely recognized for his contribution to promoting Indian traditions and community welfare. Through his social initiative arm, Punit Balan Foundation, he has supported causes ranging from rural development to armed forces welfare and disaster relief. He has also been associated with promoting grassroots-level sports and has played a key role in encouraging traditional art forms like Dhol-Tasha Pathaks and Lavani.
Balan’s cultural engagement includes initiatives to preserve the sanctity of iconic festivals such as Ganeshotsav in Pune. He has been vocal about celebrating such festivals in a traditional, religious, and noise-free manner, aligning with the city’s rich heritage. His efforts to discourage the use of loud DJ systems and promote authentic musical expressions during festivals have gained support from various sections of society.
He is also known for supporting ex-servicemen and their families through collaborative efforts with the Indian Army. Over the years, Punit Balan has built a reputation as a socially conscious leader committed to combining business growth with cultural and national responsibility.
