Wrong to target only Ganeshotsav; year-round noise pollution due to loudspeakers must also be opposed
Pune, Maharashtra – The issue of DJs and excessive noise pollution during Ganeshotsav has once again become a subject of intense public debate. Clarifying its long-standing stance, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) stated that for the past 24 years, the organisation has been spearheading a widespread campaign titled ‘Stop Malpractices in Festivals’, actively raising public awareness under the slogan ‘Do not play DJs or loud sound systems during festivals.’
While maintaining that noise pollution must be curbed, the Samiti strongly questioned the selective targeting of Hindu festivals under the pretext of environmental and noise concerns.
Selective narrative surrounding festival pollution
A few years ago, Dr. Narendra Dabholkar shaped a narrative alleging that the immersion of Shri Ganesh idols in rivers leads to water pollution. Ignoring the severe industrial and sewage factors that pollute rivers 365 days a year, claims were deliberately constructed attributing pollution solely to the 10 days of Ganeshotsav, which introduced the trend of artificial immersion tanks. Along the very same lines, the issue of noise pollution is being raked up today to target Hindu festivities.
Questioning double standards on year-round noise pollution
Noise pollution caused by DJs during Ganeshotsav must certainly stop; however, will other sources of noise pollution that persist throughout the year also be examined? Will Vidyanand Bapat and the progressive factions demanding this also call for the removal of loudspeakers from mosques, or demand bans on late-night New Year’s Eve parties and commercial events like ‘Sunburn’? Singling out Ganeshotsav, using derogatory terms against Hindu Dharma’s philosophical traditions of Dvaita-Advaita, and labeling our sacred celebrations as ‘military-style celebrations’ (Lashkar-Utsav) reveals a prejudiced mindset intent on attacking Dharma under the guise of environmental activism.
Demand for equal enforcement under Supreme Court directives
Bharat is governed by the Constitution; therefore, action regarding noise pollution must strictly be enforced in accordance with Supreme Court directives. Concurrently, legal action must also be initiated against elements insulting and attacking Hindu Dharma under the shield of ‘freedom of expression.’
Preserving festival sanctity to build sattvik celebrations
To preserve the religious sanctity and devotional spirit of festivals, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has continuously conducted mass awareness campaigns for more than two decades against social vices such as gambling in pandals, alcohol consumption, vulgar dancing, playing indecent film songs outside Shri Ganesh mandaps, smoking, and extortionate donation collections.
Hence, the Samiti’s stance is not merely limited to opposing DJs, but extends to establishing ideal and sattvik public celebrations. Ganeshotsav is a vital platform for practising Dharma, preserving culture, fostering patriotism, and awakening social consciousness, and it must be viewed strictly through this lens.
