Delhi’s Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, has declared that loudspeakers and public address systems can now operate until midnight during the Ramlilas and Durga Puja festivities in the city. This initiative intends to allow Hindu celebrations to proceed without time limitations, akin to events in other states. The relaxation of the noise curfew will be effective from September 22 to October 3, coinciding with the Navratri and Durga Puja festivities.
At present, Delhi has a noise curfew that forbids the use of loudspeakers in public spaces between 10 pm and 6 am. However, Gupta argues that this limitation hinders the celebration of Hindu festivals, which commonly extend past 10 pm. She compared Delhi’s situation to states like Gujarat, where Dandiya gatherings can last all night, questioning why similar flexibility cannot be offered in Delhi.
The Navratri festival, a nine-day celebration dedicated to the goddess Durga, is being observed with intense devotion throughout the nation. Each day of the festival represents different facets of the goddess, symbolizing strength, compassion, and wisdom. Participants engage in traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, fostering a joyful ambiance, and partake in fasting and singing devotional songs.
This easing of the noise curfew is not unprecedented; a similar allowance was granted last year by the prior AAP government. Gupta underlined that the choice enables Ramlilas, Durga Pujas, and other cultural-religious festivals to continue until midnight, fostering a more celebratory environment in the city. By extending the hours for loudspeakers and public address systems, the government aspires to allow Delhi’s residents to fully engage in and relish these cultural events without unwarranted restrictions.
