As the city gets ready to mark nine nights of dandiya and garba grooving from tomorrow, let’s try to make this festive season truly joyous for everyone, and not just for the revellers who click sticks.

The nine nights must be marked with a sense of responsibility and consideration for others. First, of course, is the need to adhere to dandiya deadlines. This goes for mandals which may try to push the envelope and prolong the revelry. One has to respect the fact that there are patients in hospitals, there are the elderly and the infirm in residential areas, little children who are disturbed by the noise blaring from loudspeakers.