The stage is set: Traditional Ramleelas are back in Delhi

As per the information revealed by the Licencing Unit of the Delhi Police, it has received more than 610 applications by the 14 September. The number of applications were just 19 less than the total number of applications that were filed in the year 2019, when the Ramleelas were last done in full capacity.

The two years of Covid-19 and pandemic had led to a lot of changes in the traditional format of the Ramleelas in Delhi.

“Due to Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the State Disaster Management Authority didn’t allow gatherings at these venues and an online mode was opted by most of the organisers. However, in 2021, permissions were granted while keeping the covid rules and social distancing in mind but still a lot of Ramleelas continued online,” says an official from the Licencing Unit.

“The number of applications that we have received this year is clearly explaining the enthusiasm among the people of Delhi to re-watch the great Hindu epic, live infront of their eyes, after a long gap,” he adds.

Organisers have come up with new ideas and themes this year. One of the grandest stages in Delhi, organised by the Luv – Kush Ram Leela Committee has opted for the theme of Ayodhya’s Ram Temple.

A worker preparing the set at the Lal Quila Maidan told Patriot that they are instructed to build it up as no one has ever imagined. “The structure is going to be so beautiful and magnificent that the people would prefer to look at this rather than this centuries old grand structure of the Red Fort,” the worker states.

“Members of the parliament are also going to participate in the Ramleela this year,” he adds. Union Ministers such as Aswini Kumar Chaubey, Faggan Singh, Arjun Meghwal and the actor-turned-politician MP Manoj Tiwari would be seen playing the character of Kewat.

“The Bahubali star, Prabhas, has also been invited on the occasion of Vijayadashami,” adds another young worker on the site.

Workers, especially the Pandal-makers who have largely been unemployed for the past two years, have also expressed their interest and enthusiasm while being active at work.

One of the organising members of the Govindpuri Ramleela has stated that the key changes have been made in the preparations. “Keeping in mind the increased enthusiasm among the people we have also increased the number of seats and the size of the sitting area has been increased as well,” he states.

“It is an auspicious occasion for us and everyone as we’ll celebrate the festival of Dussehra after a long break in such a magnificent manner and we don’t want anything to be left behind,” he concludes.

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