Dussehra in Delhi is not just the day we watch fireworks burning a putla representative of purge. It is a feeling, a season and a huge celebration. This city is a boss at making a big deal about everything and this season is the biggest. A cultural center for theatre enthusiasts, naturally Delhi delivers the best ramlilas.
1. Luv Kush Ram Lila Committee
Luv Kush is known as the city’s best ramlila. Inside Red Fort’s most fun mela filled food and rides run three different ramlilas side by side. This ramlila goes on from September 29th to October 9th 7 PM onwards. The stage is equipped with three gigantic screens changing setting for each scene. The costumes are the most elaborate and actors talented.
Where is it: Red Fort
2. Nav Shri Dharmik Leela Committee
This is one of the other two ramlilas at Red Fort mela. It has been running since 1958 getting bigger and better every year. They burn the tallest effigies on Dussehra in Delhi. This year the stage has been decorated by artists from Bombay! The ramlila will go on till 9th October for Bharat Milap on the last day.
Where is it: Red Fort
3. Shri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra
This is a centre for cultural performances. Every year the organization puts on a dance-drama that makes for a learning experience. The story remains the same, yet the performance is just as enriching every year with different performers and art forms blending in. Folk, classical, acting and special effects come together for one of a kind performances. The show will be running till 25th October and has been running since 1957. They even introduced English translations so that a larger crowd can enjoy the masterpiece
Where is it: Mandi House
Also read: Sound And Light Show At Red Fort Will Make You Fall In Love With Delhi’s History
4. Shri Ram Lila Committee
One of the best ramlilas was started around 180 years ago by Mughal king Bahadur Shah Zafar. He wanted to cheer up the army and the townspeople after taking reign of Shahjahanabad which is what Delhi was named by Shah Jahan. It is fun to watch the parade of performers through the lanes of Chandni Chowk before the ramlila begins. This is the oldest and most traditional ramlila in the capital.
Where is it: Ram Lila Maidan, Asaf Ali Road
Also read: Navratri 2019: Dates, Timing, Colours, Best Places To Play In Mumbai
5. Shri Keshav Ramlila Mahotsav
This is one of the oldest committees for the best ramlilas since 1996. They aim to spread the values of Maryada Purshotam Shri Ram. They narrate ‘The Ramayana’ for eleven days, burning Ravana on the 8th to mark Dussehra. The food in the mela is spectacular. Aloo tikki is not to be missed. The sets are beautifully lit with LED lights and crowd is managed very well.
Where is it: PU Block, Pitampura
Also read: 5 Places In CR Park Where You Can Buy All Things Traditional For Durga Puja
The days leading up to Dussehra host a range of festivities. All communities celebrate the festival in their own cheer, and everybody participates in every rendition. Punjabis go puristic, devoid of sinful pleasures, while Bengalis indulge in the most sinful pleasures around this time, and Muslims are just happy there’s things to do. We bring all the joy on one page mirroring the spirit of the city celebrating together. Pick and choose which ones you want to be part of. As for us, we’re not missing any.
First Published: October 04, 2019 4:47 PM