Religious noise pollution in a Buddhist culture

While Myanmar’s strict curbs on religious freedom continue to draw international scrutiny, its lax enforcement of noise limits is attracting the ire of locals.

Residents of the densely populated cities of Mandalay and Yangon are demanding stronger rules and regulations to control the use of loudspeakers in the predominantly Buddhist country’s many religious festivals. Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) also has Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and animist communities.

Local Buddhist holidays, including Vesak and the Tazaungdaing festival, along with Christmas, Diwali, and Eid al-Fitr, are often celebrated with music, dance, stage performances, and carnivals.