Ramlila to add colour to Qutub fest

The Commonwealth Games could have proved to be a unique opportunity to showcase the Ramlila — the 10-day depiction of the epic Ramayana — for foreign visitors to the city.

The Commonwealth Games could have proved to be a unique opportunity to showcase the Ramlila — the 10-day depiction of the epic Ramayana — for foreign visitors to the city.

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However, overriding security concerns have prompted the Delhi police to ban Janak Bazars, an integral part of the Ramlila.

All the 1,012 Ramlilas across the city would start without the customary Purani Dilli Ki chaat, giant wheels and even stalls selling water bottles. While Ramlila Mahasangh president Sukhbir Sharan Agrawal organised a Ram Panchayat in this regard, former Delhi chief minister Madanlal Khurana is expected to stage a protest.

"We have written to the Lt-Governor and plan to meet him tomorrow," said Mahasangh general secretary Dinesh Sharma.
Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said, "As we are preoccupied with security connected with the Commonwealth Games, Janak Bazars would only be allowed after Oct 14."

Ramlila organisers have, however, kept themselves ready with arrangements like giant wheels and chaat stalls, just in case permission is forthcoming before October 15.