In Focus by The Hindu In Focus-Parley | Should public celebrations or expression of devotion be avoided?
Nov 13, 2025
In this engaging discussion, historian Tanika Sarkar dives into the complexities of public religious expressions in India. She highlights the increase in visibility and noise of festivals, raising concerns about civic disruption and environmental impacts. The conversation also touches on the politicization of faith, competition between communities, and how aggressive religious symbols serve to consolidate group identities. Sarkar advocates for a return to more rational and meaningful expressions of devotion, critiquing the current trend of commercialization and divisiveness.
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Hindu Festivals Become Year-Round Public Spectacles
- Hindu festivals are increasingly public, numerous, and louder than before.
- Tanika Sarkar says this expansion turned many private rituals into continuous public spectacles that strain civic life.
Religious Sound Turns Into Competitive Display
- Religious communities often respond competitively with sound and display.
- Tanika Sarkar notes bhajans and azan are turned into a loud musical competition in some areas.
Regulate Nonessential Practices To Protect Public Order
- Regulate religious practices where they harm public order or health, focusing on essentials only.
- Sanjay Hegde says courts protect essential practices but allow regulation on noise, timing, and administration.
