Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that loudspeakers at Ramlila, Durga Puja pandals, and other religious events can now operate until midnight. This is a two-hour relaxation from the usual 10 pm cutoff.
“I always noticed that our Hindu festivals face difficulties. Ramlila or Durga Puja can never end at 10 pm. When Dandiya can go on all night in Gujarat, when events can happen all night in other states, then why can’t the same be for the people of Delhi? So this time we have permitted all Ramlilas, Durga Pujas, and cultural-religious festivals to continue until 12 am,” she said.
#WATCH | Delhi | On 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
Background of Loudspeaker Rules in Delhi
Currently, loudspeakers are banned in Delhi’s public areas from 10 pm to 6 am. Earlier this year, the Delhi Police issued an order requiring prior permission for using loudspeakers or public address systems anywhere in the national capital.
This relaxation is not new. In 2023, the Aam Aadmi Party government had also allowed Ramlila and Durga Puja events to use loudspeakers till midnight.
Significance of Navratri Festivals
Navratri is a nine-day festival celebrating different forms of Goddess Durga, symbolizing strength, compassion, and wisdom. Devotees fast, sing devotional songs, and perform traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya. The extended loudspeaker timing allows festivals to continue late into the night, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere for devotees.
PM Modi’s Navratri Greetings
On the second day of Navratri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers to Goddess Brahmacharini. He shared his wishes on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “On this Navratri, today, millions of salutations at the feet of Maa Brahmacharini! May the Goddess Mother bless all her devotees with courage and restraint.”
On the first day of Navratri and when the divine Durga Puja season is underway, had the opportunity to pray at the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, Tripura. Prayed for the well-being and prosperity of my fellow Indians. pic.twitter.com/BERCU24usZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2025
He also shared a Devi Stuti (spiritual chant) to mark the occasion, emphasizing the spiritual importance of the festival.
Cultural Impact of the Decision
The relaxation benefits devotees, organizers, and performers. Ramlila shows, devotional singing, and cultural performances can now go on without rushing to end by 10 pm. Organizers welcomed the move, saying it helps maintain the traditional rhythm of the celebrations.
By extending the loudspeaker timing, Delhi aligns with practices in other states where festivals often continue late into the night. Devotees can now enjoy uninterrupted celebrations and fully participate in religious rituals, prayers, and cultural events.
