Ramlila Maidan, ground in New Delhi
Ramlila Maidan is a large open ground in the heart of New Delhi, enclosed by walls with two main gates providing access to the space. The surface is primarily grass with a small pond at its center, creating a simple and easy-to-navigate expanse that can accommodate tens of thousands of people for gatherings.
The ground was created in the 1930s when a large pond was filled in to provide space for the annual Ramlila festival, continuing a tradition that originally began with Hindu soldiers performing behind the Red Fort. Over the following decades, it became a venue for major political speeches and hosted pivotal moments in India's national story.
Ramlila Maidan is deeply connected to the Dusshera festival, when performers gather here each year to stage Ramlila plays that retell the story of Lord Rama through dramatic performances. The ground serves as a shared meeting point where people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate traditions and mark important cultural moments.
The ground is easily accessible by the Yellow Line of the metro and local buses, with parking available nearby. When visiting, keep in mind that the space is primarily used for large gatherings, so arriving early is recommended if attending events during festivals.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the ground was converted into emergency medical facilities with ICU units to treat patients when hospitals became overwhelmed. This demonstrates how the space can shift its purpose quickly to serve the community in times of crisis.
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