Panaji, Goa: Shri Amarnath Panjikar, Chairman, Media Department, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, has expressed serious concern over the stringent sound restrictions imposed by the Pollution Control Board, stating that these norms will adversely affect wedding celebrations, especially within the Christian community, where weddings are deeply connected to age-old cultural and religious traditions.
Christian weddings customarily begin with nuptials in church, following which the bride, groom, and their families require sufficient time to return home, change attire, and then proceed to the wedding hall for the reception. Under such circumstances, it becomes practically impossible to conclude wedding celebrations within the current restricted time limits. Enforcing such rules without considering cultural practices causes undue hardship to families said Mr. Panjikar.
Wedding celebrations are private family functions attended by relatives and close well-wishers. Families spend considerable amounts on music, bands, decorations, halls, and other arrangements well in advance. Sudden and rigid restrictions not only disrupt traditions but also result in financial losses for families and affect the livelihood of many people dependent on the wedding industry he stated.
Shri Panjikar has urged the Government to adopt a fair and sensitive approach by allowing a reasonable relaxation for wedding functions till 12.00 midnight or at least 11:30 p.m along with clear guidelines to ensure responsible use of sound.
He further pointed out that the real nuisance is caused by nightclubs, dance bars, large commercial events, and similar activities, particularly in coastal belts, which frequently disturb public peace and social harmony. Strict enforcement should be focused on such activities rather than on traditional family celebrations.
“Rules should aim at curbing what is harmful to society, not at suppressing cultural and family traditions that have existed for generations,” Shri Panjikar said. He demanded fair relaxation for wedding functions and strict action against events and activities that pose a nuisance or danger to society, in the larger public interest.
