PANAJI
The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee has demanded that the State relax the 10 pm ban on amplified sound for wedding functions, arguing that the rule unfairly disrupts cultural traditions.
At a press conference, Amarnath Panjikar, Chairman of the party’s Media Department, said the restrictions imposed by the Pollution Control Board would severely affect Christian weddings, which are closely tied to age-old religious and cultural practices.
He noted that ceremonies begin with church nuptials, followed by receptions that often extend late into the night.
“It is practically impossible to conclude wedding celebrations within the current restricted time limits,” Panjikar said.
He stressed that weddings are private family functions, not commercial events, and families invest heavily in music, decorations, and venues. Sudden curbs, he argued, cause financial losses and affect livelihoods in the wedding industry.
Panjikar urged the government to adopt a “fair and sensitive approach” by allowing sound until midnight, or at least 11:30 pm, with clear guidelines for responsible use. He added that real nuisance comes from nightclubs, dance bars, and large coastal events, not traditional family gatherings.
“Rules should curb what harms society, not suppress cultural traditions,” Panjikar said, even as he demanded strict action against commercial violators while protecting weddings.
