Arvind Kejriwal’s government allowed Ramlila events in Delhi on Sunday. (Proceedings)
Delhi’s largest Ramlila event, held annually at the iconic Red Fort and attended by the Prime Minister and the President, will not take place this year for the first time in 80 years amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
On Sunday, the Arvind Kejriwal government announced that the Ramlila and Durga Puja festivities can be held in Delhi; however, government-mandated Covid protocols must be strictly followed.
The Luv Kush Ramleela Committee organizing the event in the Red Fort said that the ASI or Archaeological Survey of India (which depends on the central government) has not given permission for the event. With only 15 days left until the event, it will be “practically impossible to implement the kind of rules that the Delhi government has set,” the committee stressed.
Arjun Kumar, Head of the Luv Kush Ramleela Committee, told NDTV: “The Ramlila at Red Fort Ground has been happening for 80 years, but it will not happen this year. Our Luv Kush Ramleela Committee, which organizes the event is the most big in India. Almost 600 artists in total are involved. At least 100 of them come from Mumbai and 250 artists are dancers. “
“We have to organize travel, accommodation and clothing for all these people. We were prepared to hold this event. But the terrain is subject to ASI. We used to get authorization much earlier and every year one month before the event that we would hold a ‘Bhoomi-pujan’ but this time they haven’t given us permission yet. It seems that the government’s intention is for the event not to take place, “he said.
He also pointed to problems with the protocols that have been announced by the Delhi government. “First, the rules have come on such short notice. Second, the rules say that people must constantly be sitting in chairs. If they stand or sit on the floor, the permit will be withdrawn. Ramlila pandal is not like a movie theater where people will sit constantly for three hours. It is a religious event and a dynamic situation. If the situation improves in the next 10 days, we may have a small-scale one-day ceremony where effigies are burned, but there will be no Ramlila performance, “said Arjun. Kumar added.
He added that it is also important to take care of everyone’s health and that no religious event should become a reason for the spread of the infection.
Delhi has nearly 800 Ramlila events, but most Ramlila events are unlikely to occur this year, Kumar emphasized.
Delhi has recorded more than 3 lakh of coronavirus cases so far. Across India, the bill has exceeded 71 lakh. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan emphasized Sunday that large gatherings should be avoided during festival season.
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