Sound effects to replace firecrackers at Ramlila

The ban imposed on all types of firecrackers till January 1 by Delhi government has put the Ramlila organising committees in a difficult situation because fireworks are an essential part of the Lanka dahan episode of the Ramayana enactment as they are for the eventual incineration of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad.

- Priyangi Agarwal

Some Ramlila committees are planning to replace fireworks with acoustic effects mimicking the continuous barrage of firecrackers when the effigies are burnt on Dussehra. However, a few others said they would explore other options or seek exemption from Delhi government.

The Luv Kush Ramlila Committee has decided to play the sound of firecrackers bursting recorded in previous years over the public address system. “We will not have firecrackers inside the effigies as usual, but will use the audio recordings we have of the crackers bursting. We are with the government on this issue and don’t want pollution to affect people’s health,” said Arjun Kumar, president of the committee.