**Delhi CM Extends Loudspeaker Use Deadline for Religious Events**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 23, 2025, 02:27 pm*
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced an extension of the deadline for using loudspeakers during religious and cultural events in the city for the festive season. The new deadline is now midnight, effective until October 3, up from the usual 10:00 pm cutoff.
This decision comes in response to long-standing demands from organizing committees of major events like Ramlila and Durga Puja.
### Equal Treatment for Hindu Festivals
CM Gupta highlighted the issue of unequal treatment faced by Hindu festivals. She emphasized that these celebrations should receive the same time flexibility as those in other states.
“I always noticed that our Hindu festivals face difficulties because Ramlila or Durga Puja can never end at 10 pm,” she said. She added, “When Dandiya can go on all night in Gujarat, when events can happen all night in other states, then why can’t the same be for the people of Delhi?”
### Official Order on Loudspeaker Use
The Delhi government has issued a formal order allowing the use of loudspeakers until midnight until October 3. This extension is subject to strict compliance with noise pollution norms, including maintaining a residential noise limit of 45 dB(A) during nighttime.
However, organizers must still obtain the necessary permissions and clearances for holding festive events.
### Mixed Reactions from Residents
While many residents have welcomed the decision, concerns over noise levels and public inconvenience persist.
Atul Goyal, president of United Residents Joint Action (URJA), emphasized the importance of keeping decibel levels in check, especially in neighborhood parks to ensure the comfort of elderly residents and children. “It’s important to ensure decibel levels do not go too high at neighborhood parks,” Goyal said.
### Organizers Commit to Self-Regulation
Religious event organizers have also expressed their commitment to self-regulate noise levels.
PK Paul, a member of Dakshinpali Durga Puja Samiti, mentioned that organizers usually stop using loudspeakers between 11:00 pm and 11:30 pm to minimize disturbance to residents.
Anjanesh Bhattacharyya from CR Park Kali Mandir Puja Samiti echoed this sentiment, stating their goal is to celebrate without causing discomfort to the community.
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This extension aims to balance festive enthusiasm with the well-being of residents, ensuring a harmonious celebration for all.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/delhi-cm-rekha-gupta-allows-loudspeaker-till-midnight-for-festivals/story
