The cultural vibrancy of Delhi during Navratras is marked by hundreds of Ramlilas staged across localities. Yet, only three of them are regarded as the oldest and most prestigious:
- Shri Ramlila Committee at Ramlila Grounds,
- Shri Dharmik Lila Committee at Red Fort Grounds, and
- Nav Shri Dharmik Lila Committee (Registered), also opposite Red Fort.
These historic Ramlilas preserve ancient wooden-horse chariots, symbolic of Bharat’s cultural and spiritual heritage. While the first two committees have been provided permanent housing for their chariots—DDA land at Daryaganj for Shri Ramlila Committee and a concrete structure at Subhash Maidan (Parade Grounds) car park for Shri Dharmik Lila Committee—the Nav Shri Dharmik Lila Committee still lacks any such facility.
The Heritage Value of Chariots
The two chariots of Nav Shri Dharmik Lila Committee are not merely decorative. They are national cultural heritage, once used to carry visiting dignitaries like the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister of Bharat around the Ramlila grounds to greet devotees.
But every year, these chariots must be transported from faraway storage to the Red Fort venue for the 11-day celebrations. This arduous movement not only risks damage but also shortens the life of these beautifully maintained artefacts.
The Supreme Court’s observation in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 252 of 2004 (03.02.2015) underscores that “preservation of rich heritage and culture of the country is a constitutional mandate.” India’s ratification of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property further reinforces the duty to safeguard such assets.
Institutional Apathy
Despite repeated representations—including petition number PRSEC/E/2018/18255 escalated to the Sangeet Natak Akademi, nodal agency for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)—no action has been taken. Ironically, Ramlila itself was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of ICH of Humanity in 2008, but the protection of these physical assets has been overlooked.
Now, after the historic Pran Pratishtha of Lord Rama at Ayodhya, and with all three tiers of governance in Delhi—the Union Government, Delhi Assembly, and MCD—professing dedication to Lord Rama, it is the right moment for corrective action.
The Way Forward
The Delhi Government, DDA, and MCD must urgently allot land or a permanent concrete structure near the Red Fort grounds—such as the nearby Sunehri Mosque park or the opposite car parking area—to preserve these two ancient chariots.
The organisers of Nav Shri Dharmik Lila Committee must also proactively take up the matter with visiting dignitaries and cultural authorities during Ramlila celebrations to ensure that heritage protection is translated into concrete action.
Spirit of Cordiality Among Committees
Encouragingly, the oldest committees maintain cordial ties rather than rivalry. In 2025, during the Ramlila-eve dinner hosted by Nav Shri Dharmik Lila Committee (19.09.2025), organisers of both historic Ramlilas came together. In an earlier instance, when Shri Dharmik Lila Committee’s chariots were unavailable due to Subhash Maidan’s redevelopment, Nav Shri Dharmik Lila Committee generously provided its own chariots to keep alive the tradition of the grand annual procession with tableaus.
This spirit of cooperation strengthens the case for joint advocacy—with both committees supporting the demand for proper housing for Nav Shri Dharmik Lila Committee’s heritage chariots.
Conclusion
Delhi must live up to its responsibility as custodian of living traditions. Providing a secure, permanent home for the Nav Shri Dharmik Lila Committee’s wooden-horse chariots is not just about convenience—it is about honouring heritage, safeguarding culture, and fulfilling a constitutional mandate.
