As Dussehra approaches, Delhi’s Ramleela committees are pulling out all the stops, transforming the traditional reenactment of Lord Rama’s triumph into a dazzling blend of cultural heritage and modern spectacle. Competing to outshine one another, groups like the Luv Kush Ramleela Committee, Shri Dharmic Leela Committee, and others are erecting colossal effigies, integrating cutting-edge technology, and hosting high-profile guests, including Bollywood stars and political dignitaries, to captivate audiences across the capital.
The Luv Kush Ramleela, held at the historic Red Fort grounds, remains a centerpiece of Delhi’s festive season. This year, the committee is unveiling a 100-foot Ravan effigy, alongside a 90-foot Kumbh Karan and an 80-foot Meghnath, each costing over ₹1 lakh to construct. These towering figures, designed with mechanical movements like sword-wielding arms and rotating eyeballs, aim to deliver a lifelike experience.
“We will also play the sound of ‘Hey Ram’ from loudspeakers,” said Arjun Kumar, president of the committee, emphasizing the immersive audio-visual effects. The effigies, crafted with precision, incorporate green firecrackers to minimize environmental impact, aligning with Delhi’s push for eco-friendly celebrations.
The Luv Kush stage is equally grand, featuring a 150-foot-wide, 45-foot-high replica of the Somnath temple, meticulously built over three months by artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat. Enhanced with special lighting, digital projections, and artificial intelligence-driven visual effects, the setup promises an unparalleled storytelling experience of the Ramayana. “We’re blending traditional art with modern technology to make Ram’s journey come alive,” Kumar noted.
The committee has also curated a star-studded cultural program, following the legacy of past events graced by Bollywood icons like Kangana Ranaut, Prabhas, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, and Hema Malini. This year’s guest list, though not fully disclosed, includes prominent film personalities, with invitation cards designed as a tribute to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, celebrating their valor.
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At Ramlila Maidan, another committee is raising the bar with a 90-foot Ravan, 80-foot Kumbh Karan, and 70-foot Meghnath, constructed at a cost of ₹2 lakh. Unlike outsourced designs, these effigies are handmade by the committee, showcasing local craftsmanship. Meanwhile, the Shri Dharmic Leela Committee at Madhavdas Park near Red Fort is presenting slightly smaller but equally striking effigies—80 feet, 70 feet, and 60 feet for Ravan, Kumbh Karan, and Meghnath, respectively.
Costing ₹1 lakh, these figures are packed with eco-friendly green firecrackers, with amplified bursting sounds to heighten the drama. “We’ve invited the Prime Minister, President, Vice-President, and leaders like Sonia Gandhi,” said Dheeraj Dhar Gupta, committee head, highlighting the need for stringent security due to the high-profile attendees.
The scale of these events reflects Delhi’s deep-rooted Ramleela tradition, which draws lakhs of spectators annually. Beyond the spectacle, the committees are addressing contemporary concerns, from pollution control to crowd management. The use of AI and digital effects marks a new era for Ramleela, appealing to younger audiences while preserving the epic’s spiritual essence. However, the grandeur comes with challenges—traffic disruptions around Red Fort and Ramlila Maidan, coupled with heightened security, require meticulous planning. Local authorities are coordinating with organizers to ensure safety, with Delhi Police deploying additional personnel and CCTV surveillance.
As preparations reach their peak, Delhi’s Ramleelas are set to redefine festive celebrations, blending devotion, artistry, and star power. With thousands expected to throng these iconic venues, the events promise not only to narrate Rama’s victory over Ravan but also to showcase the capital’s cultural vibrancy on an unprecedented scale.
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