We're The Noisiest People

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 2 September 2025 For any sane, sensible and quiet person living in Maharashtra, the period beginning from Ganeshotsav to Navratri and even after that, is no less than a nightmare because of the constant Big-Bang like noise and rowdyism. Where's peace? Eugene H Peterson said, "In a world full of noise, find moments of silence to listen to god." But instead of finding peace to connect with a higher power or self, people, not just in Maharashtra but all over India, are creating more and more noise. In a modern world inundated with distractions, whether it's the constant buzzing of technology or the ever-increasing demands of our fast-paced routines, it is imperative to intentionally carve out moments of stillness. It's in these fleeting moments of silence that we allow ourselves to truly hear god's whispers, guidance, and wisdom. By finding solace in the tranquillity of silence, we create the space necessary to deepen our spirituality and develop a profound understanding of ourselves and our connection to the Divine. So, cherish and seek these moments of quiet reflection in order to nourish your soul and forge a deeper relationship with any god you believe in. All these rogues screaming and shouting during festivals must understand that ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who're silent. The quieter we become, the more we're able to hear. God, if at all it does exist, doesn't need your (noisy) hymns and hosannas. A wordless prayer in silence is enough for it (god). So, why's there so much hullabaloo? Jami says, 'noisy people are agitated people because through noise they want to drown their inner turmoil and demons.' You can't disagree with the great Persian mystic. Moreover, the new-fangled religious assertiveness of today's Hindus (sorry, Sanatanis) has made them noisier. They labour under the misconception that the more they create noise, the stronger their voice becomes. Needless to say, this has no basis. We're the noisiest people in the world. We become collectively noisy when there's a festival. A large number of people suffer during this Ganpati Utsav. Noise aggravates many health ailments and issues. Cases of cardiac arrest are common. People die, but who cares? Moreover, it's a strange thing, rather a recent religious development that tableaux are displayed at every Ganesh Pandal with a pronounced Hindu theme that also stokes up the spirit of (toxic) nationalism. Episodes from Shivaji's life are presented with a view to asserting Hindutva. This is not just limited to Poona and Bombay. This has become a state phenomenon. While tableaux are silent, every tableau based on Shivaji and Hindu mythology is boisterous and full of unbearable noise. These people keep repeating the same neo-Hindutva themes day after day; year after year. This is absolutely reprehensible. Brainless onlookers and devotees go gaga over all these plebeian temptations and spectacles. This is cringeworthy. Alas, who cares? It's a cry in the wilderness. Ironically, the devotees of Ganesh call him the God of Prudence. Can't Ganesh bestow even a smidgen of prudence on his innumerable noisy and vociferous devotees? ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/noisiest-people/d/136684 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism