‘That’s what sensible parenting looks like’: Pune parents win praise for putting headphones on baby at loud dhol-tasha procession, sparking debate on infant hearing safety

Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra is often celebrated with the thunderous beats of dhol-tasha, energetic street processions and large crowds gathering to enjoy the festive atmosphere. But amid the excitement, one small detail at a procession on Pune’s FC Road caught the attention of a woman online: a couple watching the performance with their baby had covered the child’s ears with headphones.The moment was shared by Pune-based X user Dhimahi Jain, who praised the parents for taking precautions in an environment she described as extremely loud. Her post has since prompted a wider conversation about how families can include young children in public celebrations while remaining mindful of their comfort and safety. The photograph offered a glimpse of one family’s approach, but the reactions went beyond the image itself. While many users applauded the couple’s decision, others argued that keeping babies away from very loud performances altogether may be a safer choice.

A small detail that stood out in a crowded procession

In her post, Jain described a huge crowd gathered on FC Road to watch a dhol-tasha performance. She said the sound was “insanely loud”, adding that it could probably be heard from kilometres away. She recalled seeing several parents with babies in the crowd and expressed concern that some did not appear to be considering how sensitive young children’s ears can be. The couple in the photograph caught her attention because they had taken the step of putting headphones over their baby’s ears.“Dear new-age parents, That’s what sensible parenting looks like,” Jain wrote, praising the couple for their precaution. She later summed up her reaction with the words, “That’s how great parenting looks.” Her post struck a chord with people who believe that parenting in public spaces also involves anticipating risks that children may not be able to communicate or understand.

Why loud celebrations raise concerns for babies

Dhol-tasha performances are a prominent part of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Maharashtra. The rhythmic drumming, amplified music and enthusiastic crowds create an atmosphere that many festival-goers look forward to every year. However, sound levels near loudspeakers and drum groups can become intense, making distance and hearing protection important considerations. Babies are particularly dependent on adults to manage their surroundings. They cannot reliably explain that a sound is uncomfortable or move away from a noisy area on their own. Very loud sounds can pose a risk to hearing, depending on its intensity and duration.Hearing-protection headphones designed for infants may help reduce sound exposure, but they do not necessarily block all noise. Their effectiveness depends on the fit, design and conditions in which they are used. Parents should also remember that physical distance from the source of the sound can reduce exposure. Jain’s post did not establish how loud the procession was at the couple’s exact location or whether the baby experienced any discomfort. It showed a precaution being taken, rather than providing evidence about the level of protection the headphones offered.

Social media applauds the parents, but not everyone agrees

Many users welcomed the couple’s decision and said more parents should be aware of the potential risks of exposing young children to intense noise. One commenter wrote, “That’s so nice to see! Unfortunately I see so many ignorant, or rather unaware, parents who don’t know about the permanent harm such loud sound can cause to those tiny ears! The society at large needs to be wary of rising cases of hearing loss even among young adults.”Another user praised the decision, commenting, “Baby headphones at a loud dhol tasha event is genuinely thoughtful parenting.” However, some responses suggested that using headphones should not automatically make taking a baby to a very loud event advisable. “Some parents choose not to visit at all, kudos to them too,” one person wrote, highlighting the option of avoiding such environments.Another commenter pointed out that even with headphones and some distance from the performers, the baby could still be exposed to intense sound and vibrations from the drums. These reactions reflect two approaches to the same concern: reducing exposure through precautions or avoiding particularly noisy settings altogether.

What parents can keep in mind during festivals

The discussion serves as a reminder that festive participation does not have to come at the expense of a young child’s comfort. Parents planning to attend a procession with a baby can consider watching from a substantial distance, choosing a quieter location and leaving if the sound remains overwhelming. Properly fitted hearing protection may offer an additional layer of precaution, but it should not be treated as a guarantee against harmful noise. If a baby appears distressed, covering their ears, crying or becoming unusually unsettled, moving away from the sound is a sensible response.Jain’s post ultimately drew attention to a parenting decision that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. While people may differ on whether babies should attend loud processions, the broader takeaway is that adults need to consider how public celebrations affect children who cannot protect themselves. For many social media users, the couple’s headphones were a thoughtful reminder that looking after a baby sometimes means thinking beyond the excitement of the moment.