Band banning

It is futile to complain against the noise pollution in Bombay. I am not complaining about the ear shattering festivals. I am not complaining of the liter­al bombing during Diwali. I am not complaining of the loudspeakers, during the Navratri festival in every galli (lane), chawl and society in Bombay, blaring Choli ké peechhé kya hai? and Chhaiyan Chhaiyan at deafening decibels, with 50-year-old loudspeakers in today’s age of technology!) emitting 50 percent music and 50 percent distortion.

I am not complaining of the Ganpati proces­sions with all the pomp and glory, dhol and dhamaka. I am not complaining of the daily call for namaaz at the mosques at 5 a.m. In fact, I am a firm believer in the freedom to practice one’s religion, as per one’s beliefs.

If I am not complaining what is the point of all this? Well, I am a Parsi Zoroastrian and feel very deeply, for it seems to me that we, the minutest of minorities have a different set of rules laid out for us, to be followed for our weddings and navjotes!

I believe Bombay has standing orders from the commissioner of police regarding the timings and intensity of music allowed, for all occasions and functions. These laws seem to apply only to us — the Parsis and Iranis.

We Parsis and Iranis have to shut down our music, in Albless Baug, Malcolm Baug, Colaba Agiary at 10 p.m. sharp and at Saher Agiary and Cama Baug at 9.30 p.m. sharp.

Five minutes after that, if our musicians or our disc jockeys have not closed ‘shop,’ we always have to reckon with an inspector and a group of constables, gatecrashing the baugs, reminding us of the law.

Is this so-called law put into practice only because we are law-abiding citizens? Is it put into practice because we, as a community, are peace loving? As per our custom, our weddings can only be performed after sunset. The ceremony and prayers take approximately an hour. How much time does that leave us to dance, enjoy and make merry? By the time the guests get into the mood, after a drink or two, to shake a leg, the party is forced to come to an end!

If an august body like the Parsi Punchayet takes this matter up, I am sure this unnecessary disparity in the law can be avoided. It is not a problem that cannot be solved. A relaxation of even one hour will help to make the evening a happier one for an occasion that may be the most important and joyous day of their lives.

NOSHIR NADIRSHAW SANJANA