When Celebration Turns into Disruption
Kahkashan Naqshbandi
Mehndi Raat, once an intimate pre-wedding ritual steeped in the fragrance of henna and the melody of folk songs, is a cherished part of Kashmiri culture. Traditionally, it was marked by women singing wanwun, elders blessing the bride, and the quiet artistry of applying mehndi in family courtyards. The joy was profound, but contained.
Today, the tradition is transforming. The soft strumming of the rabab has been replaced by pounding DJ sets, fireworks, and high-decibel celebrations that often stretch into the early hours. What was once a sacred, close-knit affair has become a spectacle, bringing with it unintended consequences for neighborhoods across the Valley.
The Growing Strain on Communities
The shift is taking a toll on many, especially the vulnerable.
A retired resident says, “We respect traditions, but when the music blares past midnight, it feels like our peace is being stolen. I haven’t slept properly in days.”
Doctors report spikes in hypertension and anxiety during the wedding season. Loud noises often trigger panic attacks or flashbacks in trauma survivors.
Students complain of sleepless nights ahead of exams. Families with infants or those caring for the ill find the season distressing rather than festive.
Noise pollution from Mehndi Raat is no longer a matter of irritation; it has become a question of health, community well-being, and conscience.
Tradition Versus Responsibility
The conflict also exposes a deeper dilemma: does cultural celebration override civic duty? Police say they receive multiple complaints during the wedding season but struggle with enforcement. “Families often don’t realize they’re violating noise norms,” an officer explains. Religious leaders, meanwhile, stress balance: “Islam encourages celebration, but also respect for neighbors. Excessive noise goes against the spirit of community.”
Towards Quieter, Mindful Celebrations
The solution is not to abandon Mehndi Raat but to reimagine it in ways that preserve joy without disturbing peace. Emerging practices suggest a way forward:
Ending music by 10 PM in line with law and courtesy.
Shifting parties to indoor venues with sound control.
Using “silent DJ” setups, where music is heard only through headphones.
The younger generation is driving this change. “We love celebrating, but we also want to be responsible. It’s cool to care about your neighbors,” says a university student.
Preserving the Essence
Mehndi Raat is meant to bless, not burden. In Kashmir, where silence is sacred, celebration must be mindful. By lowering the volume and raising sensitivity, families can ensure that joy resonates without disruption, keeping both tradition and harmony intact.
(Note: Kahkashan Naqshbandi
Assistant Director, Planning Development and Monitoring Department,
Post Graduate (Political Science) from Kashmir University.)
