"Our Hindu Festivals Face Difficulties": Delhi's 12 AM Rule For Ramlila

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced today a two-hour extension for loudspeakers at religious festivities during Navratri, allowing them to operate until midnight instead of the standard 10 pm cutoff.

New Delhi:

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has extended the operational hours for loudspeakers at Ramlila performances, Durga Puja pandals, and other religious events during Navratri until midnight, relaxing the previous 10 pm restriction by two hours.

"I've consistently observed that our Hindu festivals encounter challenges. Ramlila or Durga Puja simply cannot conclude by 10 pm. When Gujarat allows Dandiya celebrations throughout the night, and other states permit all-night events, why should Delhi's residents be restricted? Therefore, this season we have granted authorization for all Ramlilas, Durga Pujas, and cultural-religious festivals to continue until 12 am," the Chief Minister stated.

#WATCH | Delhi | Regarding the extended time limit for loudspeakers in the National Capital, CM Rekha Gupta says, "I always noticed that our Hindu festivals face difficulties, because Ramlila or Durga Puja can never end at 10 pm. When Dandiya can go on all night in Gujarat, when events… pic.twitter.com/zkUtfDZObI

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2025

Typically, Delhi prohibits loudspeaker use in public areas between 10 pm and 6 am. Earlier this year, Delhi Police mandated prior permission for using loudspeakers or public address systems anywhere in the national capital.

It's worth noting that the previous Aam Aadmi Party government under Arvind Kejriwal had implemented a similar exemption in 2023, allowing loudspeakers at Ramlila venues and Durga Puja pandals to function until midnight.

The Delhi Chief Minister participated in a cleanliness drive today as part of the Sewa Pakhwada commemorating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. She also issued a stern warning against defacement of property: "Defacing property through wall writing and poster pasting constitutes a serious offense that degrades the city's appearance. I particularly urge politicians that property defacement will not be tolerated. Do not attempt to paste posters featuring my photograph," she cautioned.