Towards the end of the monsoon, Maharashtra will welcome the festival season with the Gokulashtami and Ganesh celebrations. For the last few years, the police have been strictly enforcing noise pollution regulations, ensuring that loudspeakers volumes are cut, and that they are tuned off after 10 p.m. The Bombay High Court has also taken cognisance of Ganesh mandals encroaching upon the public roads, increasing traffic congestion.
On Wednesday, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray took an adversarial stance on the issue. Speaking at the inauguration of his party’s new office, Mr. Thackeray alleged discrimination against Hindus and said that his party would celebrate the festivals with vigour and enthusiasm, and no interference from the authorities would be tolerated.
Mr. Thackeray said: “Every year, when Ganesh festival, Navratri approaches, the government issues red alert or threat from terrorists. Why do only Hindu festivals face the threat?”
