It is that time of the year when grand Ramlila performances, illustrating Sri Ram’s ultimate victory over evil, is sure to increase the festive crescendo. To make your Dussehra a memorable affaire this year are some famous theatre groups that put up stunning performances right here in Delhi, full of vibrant costumes, loud music, sumptuous food stalls and glorious fireworks. Do try to attend at least one of these spectacular performances this year:
1. Shri Ram Lila Committee
Located on Ramlila Maidan Grounds at Asaf Ali Road, the Shri Ram Lila Committee is the oldest Ramleela in Delhi which dates back to the Mughal era! It was none other than the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar himself who inaugurated this festival almost two centuries ago for the entertainment of his many subjects. Performers take to the streets of Old Delhi and parade around with their full costumes on, to gather a large number of spectators for their play.
2. Shri Dharmic Leela Committee
Formed after the Shri Ram Lila Committee split up, Shri Dharmic Leela Committee had to recently relocate to Chandni Chowk from Subhash Maidan Parade Ground, its previous venue, in accordance with orders from the Delhi High Court. What sets this particular group apart from its many contenders is its inclusion of obscure and forgotten stories, each and every year, from the much loved epic Ramayana. Spectators consider its approach of storytelling, enactment and celebration with fireworks as traditional as they still do not let technology infiltrate their art. Apart from its Ramleela performances Shri Dharmic Leela Committee is also famous for its chaat stalls that remain open till the wee hours of the night.
3. Nav Shri Dharmik Leela
Performed at 15th August Park Red Fort grounds, Nav Shri Dharmik Leela committee goes all the way back to 1958. Attended by well known dignitaries from across the country it is considered as one of Delhi’s foremost Ramleela performances. This committee also takes the cake for lighting fire to the tallest effigy of Ravan in Delhi. Surrounded by a boisterous mela on one side, which is teeming with fun rides, street foods, vibrant curios and plastic toys there is something on offer for everyone. Unlike other traditional troops, Nav Shri Dharmik Leela committee believes in changing with the times and so they have incorporated all that modern technology could offer to enhance their performance, in fact to satiate the ever hungry selfie addicted crowd they have also arranged for large life size cutouts of characters straight from the pages of Ramayana to make sure that you can take pictures to your heart’s content.
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