Delhi Ramlila organisers geared up for rain

As rain drenched Delhi Friday, the organisers of the capital's Ramlilas said they are geared up for the weather.

The India Meteorological Department Thursday forecast rain in the city for the next three days.

"We have rented 10 pumps to drain out water if it rains. Tarpaulins have been ordered to be laid on the ground and check loosening of the soil," said Praveen Singhal, belonging to the Luv-Kush Ramlila Committee at Red Fort, one of the oldest committees in Delhi.

Amit Agarwal, an organiser at the Ramlila ground, said: "After Friday morning's rain, work at most of the pandals was stalled but it resumed after the downpour stopped."

However, the unexpected rain did create problems in erecting the effigy of Ravan, traditionally burnt on Dussehra.

"The cranes are there since morning. Ravan is made of paper so we cannot install it in the rain," said Arjun Kumar of the Luv-Kush Ramlila Committee.

Ravi Jain from Shri Dharmik Leela Committee added: "Ravan's effigy will be put up tomorrow (Saturday) and we shall keep it covered with waterproof sheets till Dussehra so even if it rains, it doesn't affect the 100-ft effigy."

Organisers also said they have no apprehensions regarding the number of people who will turn up.

"Its not the first time weather has played foul in Dussehra festivities. Last year, rain was forecast but there was no fall in the crowd numbers during Ramlila. In fact, its good the temperature has come down," added Jain.

He asserted that a crowd of around one lakh is expected this festive season.

Ramlila is a dramatic folk re-enactment of the life of Lord Ram culminating in the 10-day battle between Lord Ram and demon king Ravan as described in the Hindu religious epic, the Ramayana.

The Ramlila is staged annually, often over 10 successive nights during the auspicious period of 'Sharad Navratras'.