By Manisha Roy,News18

Copyright news18

Amid the ongoing festive season, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced that her government has allowed the use of loudspeakers at cultural events such as Ramlila and Durga Puja until midnight.
The decision, she said, reflects the spirit of “Ram-rajya” and aims to ensure that Hindu festivals are celebrated without unnecessary restrictions.
“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?

#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

“So this time we’ve given permission to all Ramlilas, Durga Pujas, and cultural-religious festivals to continue until 12 am…,” she added.
On Monday, the Delhi government extended the permissible time for the use of loudspeakers and public address systems during Ramleela, Durga Puja, Dussehra, and related events. The relaxation, which applies from September 22 to October 3, was approved by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena.
Under the revised guidelines, the deadline for sound systems has been extended from 10 pm to midnight. However, organisers must comply with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, ensuring that noise levels in residential areas do not exceed 45 decibels.
Welcoming the move, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa expressed gratitude to both the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor, describing the decision as a response to a long-standing demand of Ramleela committees.
Earlier this year, the Delhi Police issued an order mandating that prior permission must be obtained before using loudspeakers or public address systems anywhere in the national capital. Previously, the Aam Aadmi Party government, led by Arvind Kejriwal, had also announced a similar exemption in 2023, permitting the use of loudspeakers until midnight at Ramlila venues and Durga Puja pandals.