✍️ By Rahul Goyal · Chandigarh Life
Quick answer: Chandigarh stages Ramlila at close to 60 locations across the city (around 40 officially registered), coordinated by the Chandigarh Kendriya Ramleela Mahasabha, which runs an annual three-day inter-committee competition. Long-running committees include the Shri Ramlila Committee (Sector 17 Parade Ground, since 1953), the Navyug Ramlila and Dussehra Committee (Sector 7, since 1979), the Garhwal Ramleela Mandal (Sector 28) and the Chandigarh Ramleela Committee (Sector 22-B). Performances run through Navratri, ending on Dussehra — 20 October 2026.
Ramlila — the dramatic folk re-enactment of the Ramayana — is one of Chandigarh’s biggest cultural events every autumn, even though it rarely gets covered as its own thing outside the headline effigy-burning on Dussehra day. Here’s who actually stages it, and where.
Chandigarh’s Ramlila Committees
| Committee | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shri Ramlila Committee | Parade Ground, Sector 17 | One of the city’s oldest, dating to 1953; draws large crowds |
| Navyug Ramlila and Dussehra Committee | Sector 7 | Established 1979 |
| Garhwal Ramleela Mandal | Sector 28 (Bijali Board) | Long-running community committee |
| Chandigarh Ramleela Committee | Sector 22-B | Long-running community committee |
Beyond these named committees, Ramlila performances have also been reported in Sectors 15, 20, 27, 30, 45 and 46, with Sectors 17, 27 and 46 noted among the biggest draws in past years — the exact line-up of active venues shifts a little year to year.
Scale & Coordination
The Chandigarh Kendriya Ramleela Mahasabha is the umbrella body that connects all of the city’s Ramlila committees, and runs an annual three-day competition between them. Each major event can draw crowds exceeding 10,000 people, and in at least one recent year the citywide total was reported at around 4,500 performing artistes across roughly 76 venues — treat exact venue and artiste counts as year-specific rather than fixed.
Ramlila in Panchkula
Panchkula’s flagship Ramlila and Dussehra event is run by the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Dussehra Committee and Shri Adarsh Ramlila Dramatic Club at Shalimar Ground, Sector 5 — home to the tricity’s tallest Ravana effigy. See our full Dussehra in Panchkula guide for the effigy-burning finale.
When to Watch
Ramlila performances traditionally run through the Navratri period and conclude on Dussehra/Vijayadashami. In 2026, that’s the window from Sunday, 11 October through Tuesday, 20 October — most committees stage a different episode of the Ramayana each night, building up to Rama’s victory over Ravana on the final day.
FAQ’s
How many places stage Ramlila in Chandigarh?
Close to 60 locations across the city, of which around 40 are officially registered, coordinated by the Chandigarh Kendriya Ramleela Mahasabha.
Which is the oldest Ramlila committee in Chandigarh?
The Shri Ramlila Committee at Sector 17’s Parade Ground, staging Ramlila since 1953.
When does Ramlila happen in Chandigarh?
Through the Navratri period, concluding on Dussehra/Vijayadashami — in 2026, that’s 11 to 20 October.
Is Ramlila in Panchkula different from Chandigarh’s?
Panchkula’s flagship event, run by the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Dussehra Committee and Shri Adarsh Ramlila Dramatic Club at Shalimar Ground, Sector 5, is separate from Chandigarh’s city committees and is known for the tricity’s tallest Ravana effigy.
