No big bang this Diwali

According to anti-noise activist Sumaira Abdulali, founder of Awaaz foundation, the bursting of noisy bombs and other deafening crackers was much lesser than previous years.u00a0

Keeping the din away: Most people refrained from using bombs and other ear-splitting crackers, which cause the most noise pollution. u00a0Pic/Sameer Markande

"This is the third year in a row that the noise levels were low. The high cost of crackers and increased awareness about the health hazards that crackers pose helped citizens not to burst crackers making it a calmer Diwali," Abdulali said, adding that the highest sound level of 127decibels (dB) was recorded on Wednesday, the day of Laxmi Puja.

Abdulali, however, added that the 10 pm deadline for bursting crackers had been flouted in several areas in the city. "This is the fist time in many years that the 10pm deadline was not observed at many areas such as Bandra (East), Bandra (West), Worli and Marine Drive."

Abdulali lamented that this year's festivals had been noisy affairs but was surprised that Diwali, which in the past has been the noisiest festival, has become a quieter affair. u00a0