Ritual theatres of India blend sacred rituals with dramatic performance, embodying religious storytelling, community participation, and transmission of cultural values. 

• UNESCO has recognised several such traditions as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), underscoring their global significance and the need for safeguarding.

About Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)

• Definition: Intangible Cultural Heritage refers to living traditions, practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage.
• Defined under the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the ICH, 2003.
• Domains (5): Oral traditions, Performing Arts, Rituals & Festive Events, Knowledge of Nature & Universe, Traditional Craftsmanship.
• India’s ICH elements: 15 inscribed so far, including Kutiyattam, Mudiyettu, Ramman, and Ramlila.
  • Chhath puja from Bihar has been nominated in september 2025.

About Kutiyattam (Kerala)

• Nature: Sanskrit theatre tradition, over 2,000 years old.
• Features: 
• • Codified expressions (neta abhinaya, hasta abhinaya), elaborate enactments lasting up to 40 days.
  • Performed in kuttampalams (temple theatres) with ritual sanctity.
  • Transmission: 10–15 years of training under guru-shishya parampara.
  • Fusion: Blends Sanskrit drama, acting, abhinaya, and music.
• Themes: Divine storytelling, sacred stage, community-supported art.

Mudiyettu (Kerala)

• Nature: Ritual dance-drama depicting Kali’s battle with Darika, performed annually after harvest.
• Features:
• • Held in Bhagavati Kavus (temple precincts).
  • Begins with kalamezhuthu (ritual drawing of goddess image).
  • The entire village, across castes, contributes (mask making, costumes, ritual roles).
  • Fusion: Dance, music, masks, drama, visual art.
  • Apprenticeship ensures continuity.

Ramman (Uttarakhand)

• Nature: Annual festival of Saloor-Dungra villages in honour of Bhumiyal Devta.
• Features:
• • Combines rituals, epic recitations, masked dances, and oral traditions.
  • Instruments: Dhol, Damau, Manjira, Jhanjhar, Bhankora.
  • Caste-based roles (priests, mask-makers, drummers) with entire village participation.
  • Oral transmission sustains continuity.
  • Fusion: Theatre, music, dance, masks, storytelling.

Ramlila (North India)

• Nature: Dramatic re-enactment of Ramayana, especially during Dussehra.
• Features:
• • Based on Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas.
  • Performed in temple grounds or public spaces.
  • Community-driven: amateur actors, local funding, large-scale public participation.
  • Varies in duration: 10–12 days, up to a month (Ramnagar, Varanasi).
  • Fusion: Narrative drama, music, choreography, dialogue, costumes.

Institutional Role: Sangeet Natak Akademi

• Mandate: Apex body (est. 1953) for preservation and promotion of performing arts.
• Functions:
• • Documentation & Archiving – audio-visual records, manuscripts, publications.
  • Training – supports guru-shishya parampara, workshops, camps.
  • Recognition – awards (Akademi Awards, Fellowships, Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar).
  • Research & Publications – books, journals, monographs.
  • Festivals & Performances – national theatre and dance festivals.
  • Collaboration with UNESCO – nominations and safeguarding of ritual theatres.
  • Artiste Support – stipends, grants, infrastructure.

Significance of Ritual Theatres

• Divine Storytelling: Narratives drawn from epics, legends, and deities.
• Sacred Spaces: Performed in temples, courtyards, or ritual spaces.
• Community Participation: Collective ownership, caste/community roles.
• Transmission: Oral, performative, and apprenticeship-based knowledge transfer.
• Fusion of Arts: Blends theatre, dance, music, oral literature, and craft.

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