New Delhi, Sept. 21 -- The lead-up to Navratri has already left much of Delhi sleepless, as late-night processions blare devotional music through loudspeakers and boom boxes, rattling homes and choking major roads. On both Friday and Saturday nights, residents across south Delhi and stretches of eastern and central Delhi reported thundering music, flashing disco lights mounted on trucks, and noise that kept them awake well past midnight.

The worst-hit areas included neighbourhoods around Mathura Road, Kalkaji, Nehru Place, and adjoining localities, where residents said the noise levels remained unchecked deep into the night.

"Our windows shook from the music. Elderly residents and children are the worst affected. We already face endless...