🪔 Dussehra 2025: Experiencing Delhi NCR’s Ramlila’s via Metro & NaMo Trains (RRTS)
(Intertwined with the Joy of Safe ePayments – April 11, Safe ePay Day, Proposed)
🌸 Section 1: A
Tale of Two Cities & the Story of Ramlila
Living in Bangalore, Dussehra
always brings Mysuru to mind. The Mysuru Dasara is legendary — elephants
carrying the golden howdah, the Mysuru Palace illuminated with over one lakh
lights, and jubilant crowds lining the streets. For Karnataka, this festival is
not just about tradition; it’s a declaration of cultural pride and identity.
Yet, just as Mysuru has its
grandeur, Delhi NCR has its Ramlilas. Here, the focus shifts from royal
processions to dramatic storytelling. Makeshift stages in open grounds become
theatres for the Ramayana, where the battles of Rama and Ravana are enacted
with music, dance, and pyrotechnics. If Mysuru’s Dasara is regal pageantry,
Delhi’s Ramlilas are people’s theatre — vibrant, participatory, and rooted in
community spirit.
🌿 The Origins of Ramlila
Ramlila, which literally means
“the play of Rama,” has been performed for centuries in different forms across
India. It is believed that Goswami Tulsidas, the poet-saint of the 16th
century, gave shape to the earliest organized Ramlilas in Varanasi after
composing the Ramcharitmanas. Since then, the practice has spread far
and wide, adapting to the cultural pulse of each region.
- In North India,
Ramlilas often culminate with the symbolic burning of Ravana’s effigy on
Dussehra night — a ritual that has come to represent the victory of truth
over falsehood.
- In smaller towns,
the performances can stretch across all ten days of Navaratri, with each
evening focusing on a different episode from the Ramayana.
- In modern cities like Delhi,
Ramlilas are a blend of tradition and spectacle: live actors supported by
LED screens, elaborate sound systems, and firework finales that draw
crowds in the lakhs.
🎭 Delhi NCR’s Signature Ramlilas
Delhi, with its layered history,
has naturally become one of the epicenters of Ramlila traditions:
- Lal Qila Maidan (Red Fort Ramlila):
Perhaps the most iconic, with the majestic Red Fort as its backdrop.
Dating back to the Mughal period, this Ramlila is not only a cultural
performance but also a political and historical stage.
- Ramlila Maidan (Near New Delhi Station):
Known equally for cultural gatherings and political rallies, this ground
becomes a magnet during Dussehra.
- Karol Bagh Ramlila: A
community-driven production, smaller in scale than Lal Qila but cherished
for its intimacy.
- Dwarka and Noida Ramlilas:
Reflecting the expansion of the city, these newer venues cater to the
NCR’s growing population, offering family-friendly experiences with food
courts and amusement rides.
- Ghaziabad and Meerut:
Beyond Delhi’s borders, towns like Ghaziabad and Meerut host Ramlilas that
rival the capital’s in grandeur, drawing audiences from surrounding
villages and cities.
🪔 More Than Theatre: A Social
Experience
What makes Ramlila so enduring is
that it is not just a performance but a shared experience. Families
dress in festive attire, children eagerly wave toy bows and arrows, vendors
sell balloons and sweets, and elders retell the morals of the Ramayana. The
smell of roasted peanuts mixes with the sound of devotional songs, creating an
atmosphere that is both sacred and joyous.
In a way, these Ramlilas are living
museums of Indian culture — where art, history, religion, and community
come together under the night sky. For many Delhiites, attending a Ramlila is
not optional; it is an annual ritual.
🚇 Section 2: Delhi
Metro – The Festival Connector
If Mysuru Dasara’s grandeur is
defined by its palace and procession, Delhi’s Ramlilas are defined by their
accessibility. What makes these sprawling cultural events possible for lakhs of
people is the Delhi Metro — a network that has become the lifeline of
the capital.
🚉 A Modern Artery of the City
Since its inauguration in 2002,
the Delhi Metro has grown into one of the world’s largest urban transit
systems. With 12 lines, 290+ stations, and daily ridership crossing 6
million, it is more than just transport; it is a public utility that binds
the city together.
During festivals, the Metro
assumes an even greater role:
- Reliability: Unlike roads jammed
by festive traffic, the Metro runs on schedule.
- Connectivity:
From Old Delhi’s Lal Qila to Noida’s Sector 62, the Metro touches every
corner.
- Safety: Well-lit stations,
security checks, and CCTV make it safer for families returning late at
night.
- Eco-Friendliness: As
cars crawl in gridlock, the Metro silently reduces carbon footprints.
For Ramlila-goers, this
reliability is invaluable. Parents with children, groups of students, and
office-goers heading straight to evening shows all rely on the Metro to reach
venues comfortably.
🪔 Metro + Ramlila: A Perfect
Pairing
During Dussehra week, iconic
venues like Lal Qila Maidan and Ramlila Maidan attract tens of thousands every
evening. Parking near these grounds is nearly impossible, and traffic
diversions are common. The Metro, however, delivers you right at the doorstep:
- Lal Qila Metro Station (Violet Line):
Just a 5-minute walk from the Red Fort grounds.
- New Delhi Metro Station (Yellow Line): A
short stroll from Ramlila Maidan.
- Karol Bagh (Blue Line):
Practically in the neighborhood of the local Ramlila.
- Dwarka Sector 21 (Blue Line):
Perfect for West Delhi residents.
- Noida Sector 62 (Blue Line): NCR
professionals find this venue most convenient.
The Metro not only saves time but
also makes the Ramlila experience inclusive. Students from hostels, families
from suburbs, and even tourists staying near Connaught Place can hop on a train
and become part of the celebration.
🛡️ Metro as a Cultural Equalizer
What is striking about the Metro
during Ramlila season is how it blurs social and economic boundaries. Inside
the train, you might see:
- A family carrying balloons and snacks for
children.
- College students excitedly debating who will
play Hanuman this year.
- Elderly couples recalling how Ramlilas were
staged decades ago without microphones or lights.
- Office-goers still in formal clothes,
squeezing in a performance before heading home.
The Metro, in this sense, becomes
an extension of the Ramlila ground — a shared space where anticipation
builds, conversations spark, and the festive mood spreads.
💳 The Convenience of Cashless
Travel
Another dimension that makes
Metro journeys festive-friendly is the ease of cashless payments:
- Metro Smart Cards let
commuters skip queues at ticket counters.
- QR Code tickets on
mobile apps allow for seamless, touch-free entry.
- Recharges can be done instantly via UPI or
digital wallets.
This aligns beautifully with the
idea of safe ePayments, proving that technology can make even cultural
journeys smoother. When thousands of people are moving at once, avoiding cash
exchanges speeds up the entire experience.
🌉 A South–North Parallel
As someone from Bangalore, it’s
hard not to compare. Just as special trains and buses ferry people to Mysuru
for Dasara, the Delhi Metro ferries lakhs to Ramlilas every night. Both systems
— one rooted in heritage, the other in modern infrastructure — highlight how mobility
powers celebration.
Without transport, festivals risk
becoming exclusive to locals. With transport, they become shared experiences
accessible to everyone. And that inclusivity is what makes Ramlilas and Dasara
alike in spirit, though different in form.
🚄 Section 3: RRTS
(NaMo Trains) Joins the Festivities – Expanding the Cultural Map
The Delhi Metro has already
transformed travel within the capital, but festivals like Dussehra extend
beyond Delhi’s borders. Ghaziabad and Meerut, long known for their own
spectacular Ramlilas, are now seamlessly connected to the capital through the Delhi–Meerut
Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), popularly branded as NaMo Trains.
⚡ What is RRTS (NaMo Trains)?
The RRTS is India’s first
regional high-speed commuter rail, designed for average speeds of 100 km/h,
cutting travel times drastically between Delhi and surrounding cities.
- Delhi–Ghaziabad:
Under 20 minutes.
- Delhi–Meerut:
Around 1 hour (compared to 2.5–3 hours by road).
Launched in phases from 2023
onwards, by 2025 the RRTS (NaMo Trains) has become a lifeline for NCR
commuters. For festival-goers, it is a game-changer.
🎭 Ghaziabad’s Grand Ramlilas
Ghaziabad hosts some of the NCR’s
largest Ramlilas, particularly in areas like Kavi Nagar, Shastri Nagar, and
Ramleela Ground near Ghantaghar.
- Access via NaMo Trains (RRTS):
Board at Sarai Kale Khan Station in Delhi, get down at Ghaziabad
Station, then take a 10–15 minute auto or e-rickshaw to the grounds.
- Time saved: What used to be a
frustrating 90-minute car ride in festive traffic is now a 20-minute
breeze.
🌆 Meerut: A Cultural Powerhouse
Meerut’s Ramlilas are among the
grandest in North India, staged at venues like Nauchandi Ground and Victoria
Park.
- Access via NaMo Trains (RRTS):
Delhi (Sarai Kale Khan) → Meerut Central or
Meerut South.
- Travel time:
Just about an hour — quick enough for an evening trip.
- Experience: Many Delhi families
now treat a visit to Meerut’s Ramlila as a festive outing, returning by
the last train at night.
🪔 RRTS (NaMo Trains) as a Festival
Bridge
The system is not just about
speed; it’s about expanding cultural participation. Families in Meerut
can now watch the Red Fort Ramlila in Delhi without overnight stays. Delhiites
can enjoy the traditional flavor of Ramlilas outside the capital. This
cross-pollination creates a regional cultural circuit rather than
isolated events.
💳 Digital Convenience Onboard
Much like the Metro, NaMo Trains
emphasize cashless transactions:
- QR tickets and smart cards reduce queues.
- UPI kiosks onboard sell water and snacks.
- Integration with Delhi Metro cards offers a
unified experience.
🌉 South–North Reflection
Just as special trains and buses
bring lakhs to Mysuru Dasara, NaMo Trains (RRTS) now bring lakhs to Delhi and
Meerut Ramlilas. Both systems extend the festival beyond one city, turning it
into a regional celebration.
✨ Section 4: Itineraries
& Travel Plans – Experiencing Ramlila via Metro & NaMo Trains (RRTS)
Delhi NCR transforms into a living theatre during Dussehra.
While Mysuru Dasara shines in royal grandeur, the Ramlilas of Delhi, Ghaziabad,
Noida, and Meerut are people’s theatre — staged under the open sky, filled with
drama, music, and fireworks. Thanks to the Delhi Metro and the Delhi–Meerut
RRTS (RapidX), reaching these grounds is now smoother, faster, and more
inclusive than ever.
Here’s a detailed look at how you can plan your evenings,
complete with routes, interchanges, travel times, and pro tips.
🚇
Delhi-Centric Ramlilas
🎭 1. Lal
Qila Maidan (Red Fort Ramlila)
The Red Fort Ramlila is the crown jewel, unfolding against the
historic backdrop of Lal Qila.
- Metro
Route: Violet Line → Lal
Qila Metro Station → Exit Gate 1 →
5-min walk.
- Best
Time: Arrive by 6:15 pm (show begins 6:30 pm).
- Pro
Tip: Combine with a pre-show Chandni Chowk food trail.
|
Start Location |
Metro Line |
Interchange |
Final Stop |
Travel Time |
|
Rajiv Chowk |
Yellow → Violet |
Central Secretariat |
Lal Qila |
~20 min |
|
Anand Vihar (via Ghaziabad RRTS) |
Blue → Yellow → Violet |
Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat |
Lal Qila |
~50 min |
🎭 2.
Ramlila Maidan (Near New Delhi Station)
A ground that has hosted both cultural performances and
political rallies, it remains a magnet during Dussehra.
- Metro
Route: Yellow Line → New
Delhi Metro Station → Exit Ajmeri Gate →
12-min walk.
- Best
Time: Shows begin at 7:00 pm.
- Pro
Tip: End the evening with a Connaught Place dinner.
|
Start Location |
Metro Line |
Interchange |
Final Stop |
Travel Time |
|
Kashmere Gate |
Yellow Line direct |
— |
New Delhi |
~10 min |
|
Anand Vihar RRTS → Metro |
Blue → Yellow |
Rajiv Chowk |
New Delhi |
~45 min |
🎭 3. Karol
Bagh Ramlila
A community-driven production with plenty of neighborhood
flavor.
- Metro
Route: Blue Line → Karol
Bagh Metro Station → Gate 2 →
8-min walk.
- Best
Time: 6:45 pm onwards.
- Pro
Tip: Try the legendary Chole Bhature before the show.
|
Start Location |
Metro Line |
Interchange |
Final Stop |
Travel Time |
|
Rajiv Chowk |
Blue Line direct |
— |
Karol Bagh |
~12 min |
|
Anand Vihar RRTS |
Blue Line direct |
— |
Karol Bagh |
~35 min |
🏙️ NCR
Itineraries via Metro
🎭 4. Noida
Sector 62 Ramlila
Tech-driven production, popular among young families and
professionals.
- Metro
Route: Blue Line (Noida Electronic City branch) → Sector
62 Metro Station → Gate 1 →
short e-rickshaw.
- Best
Time: 7:00 pm.
- Pro
Tip: Family-friendly atmosphere with play zones and food
courts.
|
Start Location |
Metro Line |
Interchange |
Final Stop |
Travel Time |
|
Rajiv Chowk |
Blue Line direct (Noida side) |
— |
Sector 62 |
~45 min |
|
Ghaziabad RRTS |
Blue → Blue (Noida branch) |
Vaishali → Yamuna Bank |
Sector 62 |
~50 min |
🎭 5.
Dwarka Sector 21 Ramlila
A spacious ground, ideal for West Delhi residents.
- Metro
Route: Blue Line (Dwarka branch) → Dwarka
Sector 21 Metro Station →
Gate 3 → 7-min walk.
- Best
Time: 7:15 pm.
- Pro
Tip: Ample parking nearby, good for families returning late.
|
Start Location |
Metro Line |
Interchange |
Final Stop |
Travel Time |
|
Rajiv Chowk |
Blue Line direct |
— |
Dwarka Sector 21 |
~50 min |
|
Anand Vihar RRTS |
Blue Line direct |
— |
Dwarka Sector 21 |
~65 min |
🚄
RRTS-Enabled Festive Journeys
🎭 6.
Ghaziabad Ramlilas
Large-scale Ramlilas in Kavi Nagar and Shastri Nagar
rival Delhi in popularity.
- RRTS
Route: Sarai Kale Khan (Delhi) → Ghaziabad
RRTS Station.
- Local
Commute: 10–15 min e-rickshaw.
- Best
Time: 6:45 pm onwards.
- Pro
Tip: Save time by avoiding Delhi traffic — RRTS cuts the
journey to just 20 minutes.
🎭 7.
Meerut Ramlila’s
Among the grandest in North India, staged at Nauchandi
Ground and Victoria Park.
- RRTS
Route: Delhi (Sarai Kale Khan) → Meerut
Central / Meerut South.
- Local
Commute: Autos take you directly to the grounds.
- Best
Time: 7:00 pm.
- Pro
Tip: Make it a half-day trip — leave by afternoon, return by
midnight.
🎟️
Practical Travel & Payment Tips
- Smart
Cards & QR Codes: Metro and RRTS both support cashless
ticketing.
- Safe
ePayments: From ticket recharges to snacks at stalls,
UPI 💳
ensures smooth transactions.
- Timing:
Last Metro (~11 pm) and RRTS (~12 midnight) give flexibility.
- Comfort:
Expect short walks at most venues — comfortable footwear is a must.
🌉 A
South-to-North Connection
For a Bangalorean used to Mysuru Dasara’s pageantry,
experiencing Delhi’s Ramlilas feels like stepping into another dimension of the
same festival spirit. While Mysuru dazzles with elephants and palaces, Delhi
NCR mesmerizes with stagecraft and effigy burnings.
Both traditions remind us that festivals thrive when transportation
makes them inclusive. Just as trains and buses bring lakhs to Mysuru, the
Metro and RRTS deliver lakhs to Ramlilas across Delhi NCR. In both cases,
technology doesn’t overshadow tradition — it sustains it.
🌉 Section 5: Conclusion
– Celebrating Without Boundaries
India’s festivals are living
bridges — they connect past with present, tradition with modernity, and
communities across regions.
For me, in Bangalore, Mysuru’s
Dasara is the ultimate Dussehra memory. For Delhiites, it’s the Ramlilas. Both
are grand, both are timeless, both thrive because transportation makes them
inclusive.
With Delhi Metro and NaMo
Trains (RRTS) ensuring smooth, eco-friendly, and cashless journeys, these
festivals are more accessible than ever.
Intertwined with the Joy of Safe
ePayments – April 11, Safe ePay Day (Proposed).
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog is an independent
cultural and informational piece. References to Delhi Metro, NaMo Trains
(RRTS), and digital payments are illustrative only.
- These organizations have not endorsed this
post.
- Travel times/routes may vary with traffic or
schedules.
- Readers should check official updates from
DMRC, NCRTC (NaMo Trains/RRTS), and Ramlila organizers before planning.
Plan your Dussehra 2025 in Delhi
NCR! Explore iconic Ramlila venues with itineraries via Delhi Metro & NaMo
Trains (RRTS). Intertwined with the Joy of Safe ePayments.
🌿💳🧠🌍Appeal for Safe ePay Day 🌟
## Call to Action
I urge governments, financial institutions, businesses, and
communities worldwide to join hands in declaring April 11 as **Safe ePay Day**.
Let’s celebrate UPI’s milestone by making **Safe ePay Day** a
global movement for secure, innovative fintech.
Together, we can build a future where financial access is
universal, and every e-payment is safe—starting with **Safe ePay Day** in 2026.
No Vada Pav,
not even one bite,
Till SafeePay Day takes off in flight.
Quirky vow with a Mumbai flair—
Announce the date, and I’ll be there!
📌
References
1. Nayakanti,
P. (2025, September 7). September 07 — National Buy a Book Day and April 11
— Safe ePay Day: Building Trust, One Page and One Payment at a Time.
Medium.
Retrieved from https://medium.com/@nshantin/september-07-national-buy-a-book-day-and-april-11-safe-epay-day-building-trust-one-80483f34d7e7
2. Nayakanti,
P. (2025, August 13). 218th Lalbagh Flower Show via RV Road Interchange!
Innovation in Banking.
Retrieved from https://innovationinbanking.blogspot.com/2025/08/august-13-metro-rides-blooms-218th.html
Prashant Nayakanti. (n.d.). LinkedIn profile. Retrieved
September 2025, from
https://in.linkedin.com/in/prashantnayakanti
