A sudden and heavy spell of rain disrupted Dussehra celebrations across Delhi on Thursday evening, forcing the cancellation of several major Raavan Dahan events that were to be attended by prominent political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. The unexpected showers cast a damp shadow over one of the most anticipated festive evenings in the national capital, disappointing large gatherings of devotees and spectators who had assembled to witness the symbolic burning of Ravana effigies.
The grand Raavan Dahan programme, where Prime Minister Modi was scheduled to appear as the chief guest, had to be cancelled entirely as the rain showed no signs of relenting. Likewise, Sonia Gandhi’s participation in the traditional celebrations organised by the Shri Dharmik Leela Committee at the Parade Ground near Red Fort was also called off due to persistent showers. The event, which typically draws massive crowds every year, was left abandoned as the downpour made it impossible to proceed with the ritual burning of effigies.
In another part of the city, Union Home Minister Amit Shah was scheduled to attend Vijayadashami celebrations in Pitampura. However, visuals from the ground showed waterlogged fields, drenched stages, and attendees huddled under umbrellas, as the rain thoroughly dampened the festive spirit. Despite the crowd’s enthusiasm, the heavy rain made it unsafe and impractical for the festivities to continue.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted moderate to intense rainfall across Delhi on Thursday evening, and by late afternoon, the Regional Meteorological Centre upgraded its advisories, issuing both “orange” and “yellow” alerts for different zones of the city. Initially, only a “yellow” alert had been in place, while no warnings had been issued on Wednesday, leaving organisers and participants underprepared for the sudden spell.
By 5:30 pm, the IMD’s weather stations recorded notable rainfall across parts of the city: Pitampura received 17.5 mm, Ridge recorded 15.4 mm, and Mayur Vihar saw 9.5 mm. The Safdarjung observatory, considered Delhi’s primary weather monitoring station, reported only a trace of rainfall, highlighting the uneven distribution of showers across the capital. Officials explained that an “orange” alert signified the need to “be prepared” for significant weather events, while a “yellow” alert was a cautionary message to “be aware” of possible disruptions. The heaviest showers were concentrated in the north, northwest, central, and west Delhi, where rainfall was expected to reach up to 30 mm in certain areas.
Despite the disruptions, Delhi’s temperatures remained within seasonal ranges. The maximum temperature was logged at 35.7 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal, while the minimum was recorded at 25.8 degrees, about 2.5 degrees lower than the usual average. These conditions reflected the erratic pattern of the retreating monsoon, which often brings sudden bursts of rain during early October.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality showed a relatively stable reading despite the rainfall. At 4 pm, the Air Quality Index (AQI), as measured by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), stood at 123, placing it in the “moderate” category. While moderate air quality is considered acceptable for most, it can still pose health risks for sensitive groups. Officials noted that the rain likely helped keep pollution levels in check, temporarily reducing dust and particulate matter in the atmosphere.
The abrupt cancellation of Dussehra festivities left many disappointed, but the heavy showers also served as a reminder of the unpredictability of the weather during this season. For Delhiites, the evening that was meant to symbolise the triumph of good over evil ended instead with drenched grounds, abandoned effigies, and a city adjusting to the whims of nature.
