This is the Ganesha season in Bangalore, and many streets have been blocked off for festival pandals.

Yesterday I heard an 'orchestra' (that's Kannada for what 'band') belting out movie songs at a busy junction. The speakers were so loud I wondered how the neighbours could put up with the racket...

My worry wasn't misplaced. A colleague told me this morning his father had to be taken to hospital after he was subjected to a sound assault from a pandal. The heart patient had raised BP, and was advised some peace and quiet. Over the past week, he had been going away to his sister's house to escape the noise. But not all elderly people are mobile ...

People in cities tend to lose themselves in their work and own small circles, so there's much to be said for community activities, such as the Ganesha festivities. But isn't it the duty of the organisers to be sensitive to the needs of children and the elderly?

Yes, they ought to be promoting culture and inviting good artistes, but these events create such a racket you begin to wonder if there's any point having them at all.