Patna: The Patna administration has unveiled plans for a major cultural celebration, with a four-day Dussehra Festival and a 12-day Ramlila Festival scheduled later this month. The Dussehra Festival will take place at the Sri Krishna Memorial Hall from September 25 to 28, while the Ramlila Festival will run from September 22 to October 3 at Gandhi Maidan.
Organised by the Sri Krishna Memorial Development Committee, the Office of the Commissioner, Patna Division, and the Department of Art, Culture and Youth, Government of Bihar, the festivals will feature celebrated artists from India and abroad. Commissioner Chandrashekhar Singh, who chaired a review meeting on September 18, said the administration’s top priorities were excellent crowd management, smooth traffic flow, and maintaining law and order during the events.
The Dussehra Festival will present a colourful programme of classical music, bhajans, jugalbandis, and dance. Performers include Padmashree Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, Grammy Award winner Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Pandit Ronu Majumdar, Dr Mysore Manjunath, Vidushi Tanushree Shankar, and Vidushi Suryagayatri. The performances are being curated by SPIC MACAY.
At Gandhi Maidan, the Ramlila Festival will return for the first time since 2008, depicting episodes from the Ramayana, from the birth of Ram to his coronation. Local artists will sing bhajans daily, followed by the Ramlila stage performances.
Authorities have directed officials to ensure smooth arrangements, including drinking water, sanitation, uninterrupted power supply, medical teams, fire safety, and parking facilities. Magistrates, police officers, and female security personnel will be deployed to maintain order and assist the public.
“The public’s enthusiasm is immense, and we are committed to ensuring that visitors face no inconvenience,” Singh said.
