Letters to The Editor — October 19, 2026

Calm communication

One careless announcement can turn a hall full of devotees into a scene of panic, because a crowd often follows the loudest voice, not the wisest one (Front page, October 18). Every pandal or place of gatherings should therefore have one trained ‘Voice of Calm’ — a designated announcer equipped with a script of simple, pre-approved messages for emergencies involving rain, overcrowding or fire. No one else should be allowed to use the microphone during an emergency. Pandals should have clearly marked entry and exit routes, kept free of stalls and parked vehicles, along with a fixed crowd limit, a rain contingency plan and adequate lighting. The police, fire services and organisers should conduct a drill. A festival should be remembered for its devotion, not its dangers.