NEW DELHI: The Shri Ramlila Mahasangh, an umbrella body representing Ramlila committees across Delhi, has announced that Dussehra will be celebrated nationwide on October 20, 2026, following a unanimous decision taken during a special meeting held at Constitution Club in the national capital.
The meeting, chaired by Mahasangh President Arjun Kumar, brought together hundreds of representatives from Ramlila committees to discuss challenges associated with organising one of Delhi’s largest cultural and religious festivals.
The federation said the primary objective of the gathering was to create a common platform to address logistical and administrative issues faced during Ramlila celebrations and to ensure better coordination with government authorities.
Ramlila Mahotsav to be held from October 11 to 21
During the meeting, officials announced that the Ramlila Mahotsav 2026 in Delhi will be organised from October 11 to October 21, culminating with Dussehra celebrations on October 20.
Representatives from various committees highlighted concerns related to infrastructure, venue availability, permissions and utility expenses that arise every year during preparations.
Addressing the gathering, Arjun Kumar thanked the Delhi government for providing 1,200 units of free electricity to Ramlila committees last year. He appealed to authorities to extend the benefit further by offering complete free electricity support for all Ramlila events from this year onward.
He also urged the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to make its grounds available free of charge for at least 45 days to facilitate preparations and staging activities, similar to arrangements made by other departments.
Demand to designate all Ramlila grounds as ‘Utsav Sthal’
Mahasangh General Secretary Subhash Goyal proposed that every ground used for Ramlila performances in Delhi should be officially designated as “Utsav Sthal (Ramlila)” to recognise their cultural significance and simplify administrative procedures.
The federation believes such recognition would help preserve the city’s long-standing Ramlila tradition while streamlining arrangements for annual festivities.
BJP leaders and MPs felicitated at the event
The meeting also featured a felicitation ceremony for BJP Delhi President and Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra.
On behalf of the Ramlila committees, he was presented with a symbolic mace representing Lord Hanuman, along with a traditional shawl. Members of Parliament present at the event were also honoured with Ramnami stoles and ceremonial mementoes.
Leaders assure support for resolving issues
Speaking at the event, Harsh Malhotra assured attendees that no hurdles would be allowed to disrupt Ramlila celebrations.
He said all organisational issues would be addressed before the festival season begins to ensure smooth execution.
Member of Parliament Praveen Khandelwal said efforts initiated last year would continue and any unresolved concerns would be collectively addressed by elected representatives.
MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri described Ramlila as an integral part of India’s cultural heritage and said parliamentarians would jointly approach Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu to seek solutions to pending matters.
MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat also reaffirmed support from governments at multiple levels, stating that authorities at the Centre, Delhi government and municipal bodies are committed to resolving the concerns of Ramlila committees.
She also acknowledged the efforts undertaken by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in supporting Ramlila activities in previous years and expressed confidence that pending issues involving Delhi government departments and the Municipal Corporation would be addressed.
Representatives from across Delhi attend
The meeting witnessed participation from representatives of several prominent Ramlila committees across Delhi, including those from Kashmiri Gate, Pitampura, Karol Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Shahdara, Narela, Rohini, Kishanganj, Dhakka village, Mangolpuri and other localities.
Several office-bearers and cultural organisers shared their suggestions and experiences regarding preparations for the upcoming festivities.
The meeting concluded with a collective pledge by organisers and public representatives to work together to ensure that Ramlila celebrations in 2026 are conducted smoothly, grandly and with greater institutional support.
