By Yuvraj Rathod, MIS Executive, CYDA
We are all familiar with the term ‘DJ’. But are we equally familiar with the soulful charm of traditional music – music that flows through tablas, dholkis, sitar, flutes, and harmoniums, carrying an ambience that is pure, clean, and timeless. While loud DJs and booming speakers dominate most celebrations today, a quieter, richer alternative exists: DJ-free celebrations, which preserve culture, reduce noise pollution, and foster genuine community spirit.
The Power of Tradition in Music
India’s festivals – from Ganesh Chaturthi processions in Maharashtra, Navratri garba in Gujarat, to Baul music during Durga Puja in Bengal – have long celebrated rhythm through folk instruments and community singing. Traditional ensembles, such as dhol-tasha pathaks, bhajan mandalis, and kirtan groups, fill the streets with beats that not only uplift the spirit but also remind us of our shared heritage.
Unlike electronic DJ music that often emphasizes noise over meaning, traditional music has a depth that resonates with the human soul. As the saying goes, “Music is the common pulse that beats in every heart, a shared rhythm in a world of different tunes.”
Community and Generational Connect
One of the most beautiful aspects of DJ-free festivals is their inclusivity. Elders sing along with devotional hymns, children dance to the sound of drums, and youth participate in creating rhythms rather than merely consuming them. It becomes a participatory experience instead of a one-directional performance.
Think of a Ganesh visarjan where neighbors, from grandparents to grandchildren, carry small percussion instruments, chanting in unison. The joy is not in how loud the music is, but in how many hearts beat together. This generational bonding is often missing in DJ-led events, where music is outsourced rather than created.
The Real-World Dangers of Loud DJs
There is also a practical side we cannot ignore. In the past, festivals with multiple DJs and blaring high-decibel speakers have led to chaos on the streets – public transport is stuck in endless traffic jams, office-goers are unable to reach home early, ambulances are caught in the crowd, and sometimes even violence breaks out in frustration. In such situations, what is meant to be a festival of joy becomes a public hazard, where lives are put at risk.
This should be a lesson: festivals should never disturb or endanger others. True celebration lies in finding peace and togetherness through music that unites without creating a ruckus. Traditional music allows exactly that – it includes everyone, from old to young, while preserving both culture and nature.
Music, Health, and Well-being
In our everyday lives too, traditional music acts like therapy. Many people start their mornings with devotional songs, ragas, or spiritual mantras that energise the mind like the sunlight. Contrast this with loud DJ parties that stretch late into the night – often leading to anxiety, stress, and disrupted sleep cycles. The cycle of exhaustion continues, while traditional music offers a natural remedy that soothes both mind and soul.
Studies have shown that folk and classical music can lower stress levels and promote mindfulness. On the other hand, prolonged exposure to high-decibel DJ music can cause not only hearing loss but also psychological distress.
Culture Meets Creativity
Choosing DJ-free celebrations doesn’t mean choosing dullness. In fact, it unlocks creativity. Communities have found alternatives like:
- Folk dances (garba, lavani, bhangra)
- Street plays and storytelling
- Drum circles and local talent shows
- Eco-friendly processions with messages on biodiversity
Such practices keep festivals vibrant while respecting both tradition and the natural environment.
Balancing Joy with Responsibility
It’s not that DJs have no place – modern beats have their own appeal, especially for youth. But when DJs dominate every celebration, we risk losing cultural authenticity and creating ecological imbalance. Loud music also disturbs hospitals, elderly people, students preparing for exams, and even biodiversity — birds, street animals, and natural habitats that thrive better in quieter environments.
By limiting DJ use and embracing music from nature and tradition, we strike a balance that is joyful yet responsible.
Festivals are never meant to be about volume they are always about togetherness. Traditional music reminds us that celebrations can be powerful without being deafening, inclusive without being overwhelming, and joyful without being artificial.
In the end, “the true spirit of celebration is not measured in decibels, but in the depth of connection it creates.” Let us choose tradition and biodiversity over treble and bass – for a future where our culture, health, and environment remain in harmony.
