Citing want of time for preparations and pending permissions amid corona virus pandemic, major Ramleela committees in the Delhi have shelved burning of Ravana effigies, while others plan to employ light and sound effects to recreate Ravana Dahan' this Dussehra. The Ramleela Ground at Red Fort, the hub of Dussehra festivities attracting masses as well as dignitaries, including the prime ministers and presidents every year, will be deserted this time.
Ravi Jain of Shri Dharmik Ramlila Committee said- ‘We had applied for booking the venue at Ramleela Maidan before 3 months ago, but the permission has not yet been granted by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is not possible to celebrate Dussehra with burning of Ravana effigy on October 25 this year as there was no time for preparation due to COVID-19. However, some organisers are trying their best to celebrate the day by cutting down on the scale of festivities as per the standard operating procedures (SOP) for holding big gatherings amid the pandemic.
Organisers of the Shri Balaji Ramlila Committee said that – ‘in east Delhi, the Dussehra festival held at CBD ground near Karkardooma attracts thousands, but this year the size of the crowd cannot be more than 200 as per the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) directions. However, we are prepared with small-sized effigies to be burnt on Dussehra. Arrangements have also been made to maintain social distancing. Police permission is awaited after which the size of the gathering will be fixed," Committee patron said.
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