G20 to Kashi Vishwanath temple: What’s in store for Ramleelas in Delhi this year

This year’s Ramleelas in Delhi promise to be more magnificent and thematic than ever before, encompassing diverse subjects ranging from the achievements of the G20 Summit to the meticulous recreation of Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

The Ramleela committees in the national capital are particularly jubilant as the Delhi government has granted permission for the use of loudspeakers until midnight during the 14-day event, covering both Ramleela and Durga Puja.

Arjun Kumar, chairman of the Lav Kush Ramleela Committee, which annually organizes the event at the iconic Red Fort grounds, shared the committee’s ambitious plans. “A colossal three-storey stage, measuring 150X50 feet, will be erected at the Red Fort ground. The stage will feature a replica of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, skillfully crafted by artisans from Varanasi, Mathura, Rajasthan, and Haryana,” he revealed to PTI.

The casting process is in progress, with TV actor Gagan Malik portraying Lord Ram, actress Kavita Joshi as Goddess Sita, and Mukesh Rishi, renowned for roles in films like “Sooryavansham” and “Sarfarosh,” taking on the role of the demon king Ravan. Kumar added, “The effigies will stand at impressive heights of 100 feet, 90 feet, and 80 feet, respectively.”

Meanwhile, the Shri Ram Dharmik Leela Committee in Tri Nagar is commemorating the success of the G20 Summit with a grand celebration slated from October 15 to 24. With a budget of around Rs 60 lakh, the committee is transforming a 10,000-square meter area for the festivities, as highlighted by Anil Garg, the committee’s general secretary.

Over at the Keshav Ramleela in Netaji Subhas Place, Pitampura, organizers are recreating the ambiance of the Bharat Mandapam, the venue for the recent G20 Summit. A Nataraja Murti has been installed, doubling as a selfie point for visitors. Ashok Goyal, the committee’s chairman, mentioned that the Ramleela will unfold from 9 pm to 12 pm, featuring artists from Shri Ram Kala Kendra in a sprawling venue covering 1.25 lakh square feet.

(With PTI inputs)