Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Extends Loudspeaker Time Till Midnight During Festive Season

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced a significant relaxation in loudspeaker regulations during the ongoing festive season. Addressing the media on Tuesday, she stated that loudspeakers used for Ramlila, Durga Puja, and other cultural-religious events in the national capital will now be permitted until midnight.

Explaining the decision, CM Gupta emphasized that Hindu festivals should not face unnecessary restrictions compared to celebrations in other states. “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 can happen all night in other states, then why can’t the same be for the people of Delhi? So this time we’ve permitted all Ramlilas, Durga Pujas, and cultural-religious festivals to continue until 12 AM,” she said.

The announcement has been welcomed by organisers and devotees alike, as the nine-day Navratri festival is being celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one form of Goddess Durga, symbolising power, compassion, and wisdom. Devotees participate in rituals, fasting, devotional singing, Garba, and Dandiya, creating a festive and spiritual atmosphere.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his prayers on the occasion of Navratri’s second day. On X (formerly Twitter), he posted, “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.” He also shared a Devi Stuti to mark the occasion.

The extension of loudspeaker time is expected to add more energy and inclusivity to Delhi’s cultural festivities, particularly as large-scale Ramlila and Durga Puja events attract huge crowds. The move will also align Delhi’s festive celebrations with traditions in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, where late-night cultural performances are an integral part of the season.

Sharadiya Navratri, celebrated in the lunar month of Ashwin, is among the most important Hindu festivals. It culminates with Dussehra, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. With this decision, Delhi is set to witness even more vibrant and spirited festivities, giving devotees and cultural groups the freedom to celebrate without time restrictions.