This is happening in Pune at 6 am, in a completely residential neighbourhood. How is this reasonable? And how is it acceptable to subject an entire neighbourhood to this level of noise so early in the morning? This is particularly disappointing.
Jain religion is rooted in ahimsa towards all living beings. Jain maharasaab cover their mouths with a muhpatti to minimise harm to even the smallest organisms, walk barefoot to avoid harming life beneath their feet, and place immense value on restraint and self-discipline.
So how can you justify the repeated use of loudspeakers, dhols and other forms of noise that disturb an entire residential neighbourhood? This isn’t an isolated incident. It happens regularly in one form or another, often with large crowds gathering outside the temple.
Religious freedom deserves respect. But so does the peace, sleep and well-being of the people who live around a place of worship. These two things
should not be mutually exclusive.
This isn’t an argument against Jainism or anyone’s right to practise their faith. It’s a question of whether our public expression of religion reflects the very values we claim it stands for.
If non-violence begins with compassion for the smallest forms of life, shouldn’t consideration for the people living right next door be part of it too?