New Delhi – With Vijayadashami here, Delhi is gearing up for a spectacular round of Ravan Dahan this evening. The historic Ramlila Maidan near Ajmeri Gate carries on its decades-old tradition, while other big grounds across the capital stage high-profile, tech-enhanced productions.
The Shri Ram Lila Committee’s Ramlila on Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, near Delhi Gate, has been central to the city’s Dussehra celebrations since the 1930s. Its Ramayana performances ran from October 14 to 19, beginning at 7 pm each night, and drew large crowds for classic enactments of the key episodes. Details of effigy heights and special effects for today’s climax are limited, but the programme traditionally ends with the burning of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna effigies amid fireworks. Since some listings suggest the formal Ramlila run ended on October 19, visitors should confirm the evening’s schedule at the venue. Entry is free, and the nearest metro station is Delhi Gate on the Violet Line. Given the ground’s central location and its recent designation as an alternative protest venue, heavy security and traffic management are expected.
Elsewhere, the celebrations are bigger and more contemporary. At the Luv Kush Ramlila on the Red Fort grounds, a 110-foot Ravana will stand beside a 100-foot Kumbhakarna and a 90-foot Meghnad. The effigies come with special effects: rolling eyes that seem to breathe fire, a whirling sword and glowing multi-coloured garlands in sequence. A recorded message from the Ravana will urge spectators to “defeat the Ravana within” by tackling pollution and traffic congestion, before the arrow strike and the burning, with green crackers lighting up the sky. National Award-winning actress Yami Gautam is scheduled to perform the Ravan Vadh, in keeping with this year’s theme of “Respect for Women,” and Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan is expected to attend.
In Dwarka Sector 10, the Dwarka Shri Ramlila Society will unveil one of the season’s tallest effigies, a 221-foot Ravana. President Droupadi Murmu is the chief guest and is set to take part in the dahan. The stage is themed on the Somnath Temple, with young Gen-Z performers in the lead roles.
At the Indraprastha Ramlila in IP Extension/Patparganj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to shoot the symbolic arrow that sets the effigies ablaze. Organisers will also burn a fourth figure, “Aaj ka Ravan,” this year representing counterfeit medicines and inflated drug prices, continuing a three-decade tradition of spotlighting contemporary social evils. Home Minister Amit Shah is expected at the Shri Dharmik Ramlila near the Red Fort.
Authorities have put multi-layered security in place at all venues, with police, PAC personnel and traffic diversions to handle the expected crowds. Many committees are also opting for eco-friendly green crackers and tighter safety measures.
From the time-honoured grandeur of Ramlila Maidan to the star-studded, high-tech shows at Red Fort and Dwarka, Delhi’s Dussehra 2026 once again blends age-old devotion with modern spectacle, and the timeless message that good triumphs over evil. Residents are advised to arrive early, use public transport and follow official advisories for a safe and festive evening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
