Actor and former MP Ramya, aka Divya Spandana, has raised concerns over loud music and firecrackers during Navaratri celebrations, saying the festivities continued into the early hours of the morning. Sharing her experience of hearing the noise until 6 am, Ramya questioned the balance between celebrating festivals and respecting others’ well-being. “Even the Supreme Court has issued a ruling that prohibits the use of loud speakers between 10 pm and 6 am,” she says.Speaking to Bangalore Times, she opens up about the need for uniform rules across festivals and why celebrations must be mindful of others.‘Rules should apply equally to all festivals’“Whether it is New Year’s Eve, Christmas or any other festival, shouldn’t the rules apply uniformly to everyone? It shouldn’t matter who you are or what you are celebrating. There has to be a blanket rule that takes everyone’s interests into consideration. Of course, everyone has the right to celebrate, and the authorities can grant extensions for special occasions. But continuing all the way till 6 am is a bit much,” she says.
Festivals and cultural traditions are important, but our joy should not become the cause for someone else’s distress
Ramya aka Divya Spandana
‘Devotion should inspire empathy’Ramya says late-night celebrations can disturb senior citizens, children and others who need rest, while also affecting animals. She urged people to consider those who live nearby and may not be part of the festivities.“I heard so many film songs being played for Goddess Chamundeshwari instead of bhakti songs, and they were played at full volume. Devotion should not become an excuse to play music at unearthly volumes and hours. We have the entire day, from 9 am to 10 pm, to celebrate, so let’s use that wisely,” she says.She adds that festivals should encourage kindness and consideration, not cause distress to others.
