Patna : Patna’s Gandhi Maidan is set to host the 71st Shri Ramlila Festival from October 11 to 21, with former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar scheduled to inaugurate the event and a grand effigy-burning ceremony planned for October 20.
Organised by the Shri Dussehra Committee Trust, the festival will feature performances by artists from Delhi’s Sanskritik Kala Sangam, cultural programmes and special stage effects.
The main attractions will include a 90-foot effigy of Ravan, an 85-foot effigy of Meghnath and an 80-foot effigy of Kumbhkaran. The effigies are being prepared with South Indian and Rajasthani design themes.
Nitish Kumar To Inaugurate Festival On October 11
According to the organisers, Nitish Kumar, former Bihar chief minister and national president of the Janata Dal (United), will inaugurate the festival at 4 pm on October 11.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Health Minister Nishant Kumar, Art and Culture Minister Dr Pramod Kumar and other dignitaries are expected to attend the opening ceremony.
Shri Dussehra Committee Trust president Arun Kumar said the event continues a tradition that began in 1955. This year marks the festival’s 71st edition.
Giant Effigies To Be Built With Special Designs
The three giant effigies will be a major attraction during the festival. Ravan’s effigy will stand 90 feet tall, while those of Meghnath and Kumbhkaran will measure 85 feet and 80 feet, respectively.
According to trust senior vice-president Mukesh Nandan, the framework for Ravan’s effigy is being brought from Manipur, while experienced artists from Agra are constructing the effigies.
The designs will draw on South Indian and Rajasthani themes, adding a distinctive visual element to the annual celebration.
Ravan Effigy Burning And Fireworks On October 20
The festival’s main event will take place on October 20, when the three effigies will be burnt as part of the Dussehra celebrations.
The programme is scheduled to begin at 4 pm. Festival coordinator Ashu Gupta said an eight-member team would present a fireworks display during the event.
The ceremony is expected to be one of the principal attractions of the festival, bringing together the traditional effigy-burning ritual and a coordinated fireworks performance.
LED Screens And Special Effects For Ramlila Performances
This year’s festival will incorporate modern technology into the traditional stage presentations.
Organisers said LED screens and special effects will be used during the Ramlila performances, with the aim of making the enactments more engaging for audiences. They described the use of LED screens as a first for the festival in Patna.
Artists from Delhi’s Sanskritik Kala Sangam will present the performances based on episodes from the Ramayana.
Daily Schedule Of Performances
The organisers have planned different timings for the opening days and the middle phase of the festival.
From October 11 to 14, performances will begin at 4 pm, followed by cultural programmes from 6 pm. The cultural evenings will include music, dance and performances by artists from across the country.
From October 15 to 19, Ramlila performances will begin at 6 pm daily.
The schedule will culminate in the October 20 effigy-burning ceremony, followed by the festival’s closing event the next day.
Maa Patan Devi Shrine To Be Set Up At Gandhi Maidan
A special arrangement will also be made for devotees during the festival. The sacred idol of Maa Patan Devi will be installed near the main pandal at Gandhi Maidan.
Visitors will be able to offer prayers at the site during the celebrations. Shishir Kumar and Dr Ajay Prakash are coordinating the arrangement, according to the organisers.
Festival To Conclude With Bharat Milap On October 21
The 11-day festival will conclude on October 21 with Bharat Milap, a traditional celebration depicting the reunion of Lord Ram and his brother Bharat.
The trust’s office-bearers, members and volunteers are preparing for the event. Organisers have invited residents of Patna and visitors from nearby areas to attend the performances and cultural programmes.
Shri Ramlila Festival 2026: Key Dates
- October 11: Inauguration at 4 pm, followed by performances and cultural programmes.
- October 12–14: Performances from 4 pm; cultural programmes from 6 pm.
- October 15–19: Daily performances from 6 pm.
- October 20: Effigy-burning ceremony and fireworks from 4 pm.
- October 21: Bharat Milap and conclusion of the festival.
