Shiv Jayanti celebration without DJs & laser lights in Sambhajinagar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be celebrated without DJ systems and laser lights in the city this year, with the administration and the Shiv Jayanti Utsav Committee jointly resolving to ensure disciplined and traditional observances on Thursday.The police and civic administration said no permission would be granted for DJs or laser light systems during processions or public programmes. They drew parallels with restrictions enforced during Ganeshotsav, as well as religious structures stopping the use of loudspeakers installed without prior permission. The decision was reiterated during a coordination meeting attended by organisers, police and municipal officials.During the meeting held with the committees on Monday, some office-bearers raised objections to denying permission for DJ systems. However, police commissioner Pravin Pawar and municipal commissioner G Sreekanth firmly reprimanded them.Questioning the insistence on DJs during a celebration meant to honour the Maratha warrior king, Pawar warned that any form of unruly behaviour would not be tolerated. "No permission will be granted for DJs or laser lights under any circumstances. We will not allow the festival to be turned into a law and order issue," Pawar said, adding that strict action would be taken against violators.Within the police commissionerate limits, there are 61 statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. As many as 95 processions and seven torch rallies are scheduled across the city on Feb 19. Besides this, stage tributes will be organised at 35 locations, image worship at 80 places, and Shiv Charitra recitals at eight venues.To ensure the smooth conduct of the events, an elaborate security deployment has been planned. The bandobast will include three deputy commissioners of police, seven assistant commissioners, 29 inspectors, 150 assistant inspectors and sub-inspectors, along with around 1,500 police personnel. CCTV monitoring and route patrolling will also be intensified.During the meeting, citizens shared key suggestions to make the celebrations hassle-free. These included the removal of road encroachments from Seven Hills to the Gajanan Maharaj temple, up to Sutgirni Chowk, the closure of over 40 unauthorised road dividers between the Gajanan Maharaj temple chowk and Cidco bus stand, the repair of streetlights and drainage issues in Naregaon, and the creation of a separate, barricaded space for women at Kranti Chowk.Officials said the focus this year would be on traditional dhol-tasha performances, lezim troupes and cultural programmes reflecting the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, while ensuring adherence to noise pollution norms and public safety guidelines.