India: Revival of Traditional Sehri Calls Amid Loudspeaker Ban

In Sambhal, India, the recent ban on loudspeakers in mosques has led to the resurgence of an age-old practice where individuals walk the streets calling for sehri, the pre-dawn meal during Ramadan, Times of India reported. With the enforcement of noise regulations, the once-familiar sound of amplified calls has been replaced by human voices echoing through the narrow lanes.

This revival aims to ensure that community members do not miss their pre-dawn meal, as many relied on loudspeakers to wake them. The ban, part of a broader initiative to control noise pollution, has sparked discussions regarding religious expression and state intervention. Authorities have made it clear that while public address systems are restricted, individual voices remain free from regulation.

As this traditional practice returns, it highlights a significant shift in how communities adapt to changing regulations while maintaining cultural and religious observances. The situation continues to evolve, drawing attention to the balance between noise control and the preservation of cultural traditions.