Sounds of a Diverse Society

Diwali has always been known as the festival of lights. Its really a spectacle to see all the houses in the neighborhood decorated with various lights, each glimmering in their own accord. Traditionally, diya should be burnt, though nowadays, very few take the pains to do so. The subtle glow of the diyas add charm to this festival. But I don’t think this festival should only be associated to lights. Diwali should also be known as the festival of Sounds.

Kali Puja, which is celebrated during Diwali, is followed in Assam with great pomp and splendor. My locality happens to be one of the famous places in town renowned for its Kali Pujas. So there is an entire volley of sounds surrounding me during these two days of festivities. While the sounds of the fireworks and the loudspeakers of the puja pandals compete for being the loudest, there are the others heard on a daily basis – the vehicles on the main road, the whistling train, babies howling, mom scolding… the list is just endless. And since these sounds have become so familiar, the foreign sounds of the crackers and the loudspeakers seem to become noisier.

My house being situated in this puja dominant locality, it is surrounded by four pujas nearby. As such, I can hear four different songs blaring from four loudspeakers from four parts of my house. That is what you call NOISE POLLUTION! And today was the bhashan, immersing of the idol. So the whole journey of the goddess from the pandal to the river bank was accomplished with the help of loudspeakers which played the most diverse playlists of songs - ranging from Bihu to devotional songs to the latest bollywood songs. It seemed songs were not enough to accompany Kali in her journey. So you have fireworks joining the parade! I wont be wrong to say that today the decibel rate increased threefold the normal range.

Commenting on songs brought another interesting observation to my mind. Earlier, the only song which could be heard in every pandal, irrespective of the puja was Nakabandi. Typically 90s, I have never heard this song on the TV or anywhere, except in the puja pandals. So I got curious, and I researched about this song. After a youtube search, I found out that this song, from the film of the same name, was sung by Usha Uthup, and composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal (seriously?!), starring Sridevi in a garish outfit dancing with equally bizarre extras! So this song had nothing to do with any kind of goddess, it just became famous way back then and strangely it still is. But now, people have become more sensible. They don’t just play any song, but opt for devotional songs. It doesn’t matter if you play Jai Ganeshdeva in Kali puja or play Jai Mata Di in Ganesh puja, it should be a song about God! And if your stock of devotional songs is becoming repetitive, then you can always turn up to the latest bollywood tracks for inspiration! Who cares if the singer sings Ooh la la or Main Sharabi? Our Indian gods/goddesses love songs, just like us! The latest Durga puja tracks - Oh amar Maa and Dhaker Taale, nevertheless, have found a way to squeeze in Kali puja too. After all, all goddesses are incarnations, so different songs doesn’t matter! And last but never the least, is Bihu. No matter what the situation is, no matter if it’s Rongali Bihu (the festive bihu) or Kongali Bihu (the grave and solemn bihu), or Durga puja or Kali puja, you will always hear one bihu song adorning the occasion.

And now that Diwali is over, preparations have begun for Chhat Puja, the main festival of the Bihari community. But this time, it wont be the loudspeakers, but personalized sound systems at each person’s house, singing Bhojpuri hymns to their deity. A very “sound” way to end the year!