Paschim Vihar Ramlila begins, with message on respecting the elderly
The annual Ramlila began on Sunday at the DDA Ground near the Radisson Hotel in Paschim Vihar, West Delhi. The festival will run until October 21 and carries a social message for families this year.
The organisers are promoting the idea that when more children follow the path of righteousness and moral values, the number of old-age homes in the country will gradually decrease. Through this message, they want children to embrace religious and moral values and learn to respect and care for the elderly.
On the opening day, the performances included Shri Ganesh Vandana, Narad Moh and the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Renowned social worker Satish Ram Goel and his wife, Usha Goel, along with other prominent people of the area, performed the stage worship and Ganesh Puja.
According to Yogesh Sharma, Chairman of the Paschim Vihar Ramlila Committee, the Ramlila Mahotsav will continue until October 21.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has assured the Ramlila Committee that she will visit the festival and watch the performances. Committee members met her on Sunday and formally invited her to attend. Those present at the meeting included Naresh Kumar Aron, former Delhi BJP minister and the chief inspiration behind the committee. Also present were President Bharat Bhushan Dua, Patron Ashish Khandelwal, Lalit Mutreja and General Secretary Ashwini Bagri.
The committee members told the Chief Minister that the Ramlila has been organised continuously for nearly 47 years.
They said its distinctive features have earned it a place among the prominent Ramlila celebrations in the national capital.
Bagri said the first Ramlila in Paschim Vihar was held in 1981. He said the tradition has continued without a break every year since then. He described it as one of the most historic Ramlila celebrations in West Delhi. He also said the Ramlila grounds become completely immersed in devotion to Lord Shri Ram during the performances.
Municipal Councillor Shikha Bhardwaj, Vineet Vora and former Municipal Councillor Poonam Bagri were also prominently present on the occasion.
