To ensure that the upcoming Ramlila festival is grand, well-organized, and free from administrative hurdles, the central organization of Ramlila groups in Delhi, Shri Ramlila Mahasangh, convened an important meeting at the Constitution Club. Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk, Mr. Praveen Khandelwal, attended the meeting as a special guest, along with senior officials from 18 concerned departments including the Delhi Government, MCD, DDA, Delhi Police, Electricity Department, and Water Board. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Arjun Kumar, President of the Mahasangh, and moderated by Mr. Subhash Goel. Around 200 representatives from various Ramlila committees across Delhi participated. Renowned storyteller and saint Ajay Bhai Ji was also present at the meeting.

On this occasion, MP Mr. Praveen Khandelwal stated that Lord Shri Ram is a revered deity for Indians, and his life gives a strong message of dignity, valor, and dedication to goals – a message that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fully upholding today. He emphasized that Ramlila is a symbol of our religion, culture, and heritage, and must be promoted at every level. Any administrative obstacles hindering this sacred celebration should be removed in a timely manner. In this light, Ramlila committees and all concerned departments should work in coordination to ensure all necessary facilities are provided on time so that the Ramlila festival is conducted with full dignity and devotion.

*Saint Ajay Bhai Ji suggested establishing a Ramayana Research Institute in Delhi to enable continuous research on the personality and deeds of Lord Shri Ram. He also urged that Sita’s birth be enacted along with Ram’s in this year’s Ramlilas. Both proposals were unanimously accepted. This year, tableaux showcasing the bravery and valor of Indian armed forces will also be featured. A 11-member coordination committee was also formed under the leadership of Mr. Arjun Kumar to liaise with various government departments for the smooth organization of the Ramlilas.*

It is estimated that over 500 small and large Ramlilas are organized across Delhi, with the major ones primarily held in the Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency. This year, the Ramlila festival will run from *September 22, 2025, to October 3, 2025*, and *Dussehra will be celebrated on October 2* across Delhi and the country.

Key issues raised by Ramlila committee members in the meeting:

*Timely Allotment of Grounds:*

DDA and MCD should allot grounds for Ramlila events at least 45 days in advance. These grounds should be provided free of charge as it is a sacred religious festival.

*Sanitation and Safety:*

Regular cleaning of grounds, pesticide spraying, and proper leveling of the ground before the event should be ensured.

*Regulating Fairground Operators:*

It has been observed that some amusement ride operators, in collusion with officials, pre-book grounds and later extort money from Ramlila organizers. This must be strictly curbed.

*Electricity and Water Facilities:*

Electricity should be provided either free or at domestic rates, not commercial ones. The Delhi Jal Board should provide free drinking water for the public.

*Licensing and NOCs:*

Delhi Police should issue prior notices regarding Ramlila licenses to allow timely completion of the process. A “Single Window System” should be established for obtaining necessary NOCs from various departments, to save committees from unnecessary running around.

*Traffic and Publicity Arrangements:*

A special traffic plan should be created to ensure smooth flow near Ramlila venues. MCD should allow display of boards and billboards for Ramlila publicity.

Several other issues were also discussed.

Mr. Khandelwal urged the officers of various departments to ensure that this year’s Ramlila enactments in Delhi face no difficulties and that preparations begin immediately. He proposed the creation of a simplified SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) that all Ramlila committees must follow. Organizers must also coordinate with relevant departments for safety, cleanliness, and other arrangements within the grounds. A follow-up meeting will be held next month to ensure the celebration is conducted across Delhi with grandeur, divinity, and faith, without any disruptions.

*History of Ramlila*

Delhi has a long and rich history of Ramlila. It is a dramatic re-enactment of the Ramayana epic during the Dussehra festival, featuring songs, dialogues, and dances. Ramlila in Delhi began in Sitaram Bazaar in Old Delhi and later moved to the famed Ramlila Maidan. Today, Ramlilas are held in many areas of Delhi.

Looking at the centuries-old tradition of Ramlila and associated fairs in Delhi, it’s clear that obstacles have arisen before – and Ram devotees have always prevailed. When Aurangzeb banned Ramlila, it was revived by granting loans to his successors. Several historical texts mention that Sitaram Bazaar in Old Delhi was the Ramlila center during the Mughal era, attracting visitors from far and wide.

Aurangzeb had stopped Ramlila during his reign. After his death in 1707, Muhammad Shah Rangila (1702–1748) ascended the throne in 1719, but the royal treasury was empty. Lala Sitaram helped the emperor with a loan, and in return, sought permission to host Ramlila at his mansion in Sitaram Bazaar. The emperor approved, and Ramlila continued there for many years.

In the 18th century, Hindu soldiers in Shah Alam II’s army requested permission to hold Ramlila. It resumed near the Yamuna River behind the Red Fort. Although there were occasional interruptions, Ramlila is still organized on a grand scale in the capital.

Food stalls were traditionally part of Ramlila events, selling roasted grams, sweet potatoes, rewaris, peanuts, and laddoos. People from far-off places would come to sell handmade and farm produce at the Ramlila fair.

Old Delhi remained the main center of Ramlila, and its famous culinary offerings gradually became an integral part of these festivals.