Ramlila festivities begin on a grand note in Capital

The festive season in the Capital has begun on a grand note with the launch of the first Sanatan Sanskaram Ramlila Utsav in Rohini and a special relaxation for the use of loudspeakers at religious events.

Delhi’s Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh, who also chairs the Ramlila Committee, invited residents of the city to attend the 10-day cultural celebration at the DDA Ramleela Ground, Sector 23, Rohini, from September 22 to October 2. “This Ramlila is themed ‘from tradition to future’ to connect the younger generation with faith, values and the pride of our divine heritage,” Singh said, adding that the celebrations will conclude with an eco-friendly Dussehra.

Over 100 artists will perform on a 150x60 ft stage equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, LED screens and modern staging technology. Highlights include the Ram Baraat, Maharas Night and the Shyam Baba Shringar Jhanki on September 25. Popular singer Shibani Kashyap is scheduled to perform during Dandiya Night.

Singh said the festival would also promote messages of social responsibility, such as a drug-free lifestyle, water conservation, cleanliness and the call for Vocal for Local under the ongoing ‘Seva Pakhwada’. Formal invitations have been extended to Union Ministers, the Lieutenant Governor (L-G), Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi Government ministers, MPs, MLAs and senior leaders.

In a parallel development, the Delhi Government has announced a time-bound relaxation for loudspeaker use during the festive season. The L-G has permitted the use of loudspeakers and public address systems till midnight instead of 10 PM from September 22 to October 3, only for Ramlila, Durga Puja, Dussehra and related programmes.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa thanked CM Gupta and the L-G for the decision, calling it a facilitation in respect of faith and tradition, while ensuring compliance with Noise Pollution Rules. He stressed that the sound level in residential areas must not exceed 45 decibels and organisers were bound to follow environmental norms.

“Festivals unite Delhi and this decision honours both faith and public interest,” Sirsa said. He added that through the single-window system, the government was coordinating with the MCD, PWD, Forest Depratment, Horticulture Department, and district officials to provide all necessary facilities at venues.