Making a big ruckus about noise pollution

DNA reader Pretty Mirchandani wants people to forget about decibel levels.

This is with reference to (Why Mumbai failed to curb noise pollution? [DNA, October 20]. Although Diwali is not only the festival of crackers, it’s a festival when Lord Rama returned to his kingdom Ayodhya after conquering Lanka. He returned after 14 long years.

So it is a very important festival and since it is not something which is celebrated fortnightly, but happens once in a year, it must be celebrated just like our ancestors observed it. The new generation talks about noise and air pollution and wants to celebrate Diwali in a clean and quiet manner.

I feel is it just an excuse to not celebrate it in the old fashion? Are we ashamed of our customs? Especially Hindus who aren’t too happy celebrating any festival in the traditional style. And it is very sad, because even though Valentine’s Day isn’t our festival, yet the new generation waits for it and celebrates it with lots of hoopla.

When we can bring in the new year and stand at Gateway of India to watch the display of crackers, then why should our own New Year not have fireworks?

 Loud music, speeding vehicles during the New Year’s eve festivities has gained acceptability. Nobody talks about noise pollution then.  These are blatant double standards. I agreed that one should not burst crackers near hospitals and other silent zones, but let’s celebrate our festival with gusto and pomp.