What should be the dandiya deadline?
By: Rishikesh Shirke
September 24, 2003
I am not a dandiya enthusiast but I would have loved to go dancing for a few days. But my college exams are beginning from Oct 4, so I dont think I will be able to make it.
This is the case every time as most colleges have exams at this time each year. I wish the exam dates could be shifted since the Navratri celebrations cannot.
I dont really have an issue with the noise levels during Navratri. You can easily work your timetable around it. As it is now with restrictions, there is no noise after 10.30 pm. I plan my day in such a way that I am either watching TV or having dinner while the music and dance is going on. Also it is always possible to study in the daytime or once the dandiya ends.
Anyway, there is no dandiya events happening very close to my house, so I guess there is no reason for me to be bothered. But those of us who are serious about studies should take into account that there will be nine nights of noise. Therefore, we should be prepared and need to study in advance. Sometimes we also have exams during Diwali or other festivals. These things are quite unavoidable, so I feel we students just need to learn to adjust.
I feel that the authorities should relax the timings to a certain extent. In Mumbai people dont reach back home from work before 9 or 10 pm.
Then by the time they dress up and reach a dandiya event, it is time to wrap up. I feel people should be allowed to play at least till 11.30 pm or more. Also a compromise can be worked out so that people can play for longer time in closed spaces or after the noise levels are lowered.
Rishikesh Shirke is a resident of Jan Kalyan Nagar and a TYBsc student at Ruparel College. He spoke to Shalini Seth.
