Ramleela: The Spectacle of Rama’s Epic Journey

• Ramleela, literally means “Rama’s play”, is a traditional performance based on Ramayana epic. 
• It recalls the battle between Rama and Ravana and consists of a series of scenes that include song, narration, recital and dialogue.
• It is performed during the festival of Dussehra every year across northern India.
• In 2008, Ramlila was included in the UNESCO’S List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Ramleela: Enriching Traditions and Community Unity Through Theatrical Splendor

• Narration and Dialogue: It includes a combination of narration, recital, and dialogue to convey the story’s events and emotions.
• Traditional Music: Ramlila incorporates traditional music, devotional songs, and instrumental elements to enhance the performance’s impact.
• Elaborate Costumes: Participants wear colourful and elaborate costumes that closely resemble the characters from the Ramayana.
• Community Participation: It’s a community event involving local residents who take on various roles, fostering unity and cultural identity.
• Regional Variations: Different regions in northern India have their own unique styles and interpretations of Ramleela.

Ramleela: The Theatrical Night, Narrated by Tradition

• Amateur actors enact the roles of Svarupas in Ramlila in open-air theatres during the night. 
• A priest recites the verses from Ramayana during transformation of scenes, which adds to the dramatic thrill. 
• Such narratives are based on Gosvami Tulsidas’ version of the epic of Ramayana. 
• Musicians and ‘Dhol’ drummers also participate in this Ramleela.

Tracing the Roots: The Evolution of Ramleela Across Time and Language

• Origins of Ramlila:
  • Historians believe that Megha Bhagat, who was a disciple of Tulsidas, the author of Ramacharitamanas (which was created during 1625 A.D.), had arranged for the very first Ramlila shows.
  • There are opinions by scholars suggesting Ramlila’s origins between 1200 and 1500 A.D.
• Mughal Emperor Akbar’s Encounter: The Mughal Emperor Akbar is believed to have been the spectator of a Ramlila performance during his reign.
• Saint Chaitanya Prabhu’s Trance: Krishna Das Kaviraj’s hagiography of the Indian saint Chaitanya Prabhu describes him entering a trance while portraying Hanuman in a Ramlila in Puri, indicating that Ramlila existed before the composition of Ramacharitamanas.
• Ramleela in Awadhi Language:
  • Ramlila performances became widespread after Tulsidas rendered the Ramacharitamanas in the Awadhi language.
  • Avadhi was a language used by the common people, making Ramlila accessible to a wider audience.
  • Before Tulsidas, Ramlila was typically staged in Sanskrit, the classical language of communication for Brahmins, which limited its reach.

Ramleela: Fostering Virtue, Unity, and Artistic Heritage in Communities

• Religious and Moral Education: Ramlila imparts moral and ethical lessons from the Ramayana, promoting virtuous living and righteousness.
• Cultural Identity: It fosters a sense of cultural identity and community, bringing people together to celebrate and connect with their shared heritage.
• Artistic Expression: Ramleela showcases traditional music, dance, and theatrical arts, preserving and promoting these artistic traditions.
• Unity and Harmony: The performances bridge social and religious divides, promoting unity and harmony by bringing diverse communities together.

Regional Splendour: Diverse Shades of Ramleela Across Northern India

• Ayodhya: The birthplace of Lord Rama, where Ramlila is performed with great pomp and grandeur.
• Vrindavan: Known for its unique Raslila traditions, the Ramlila here is intertwined with the Krishna-Lila.
• Almora: Features a distinct Kumaoni style of Ramleela with local cultural elements.
• Sattna: Ramlila in Sattna is known for its elaborate costumes and traditional music.
• Madhubani: In this region, Ramlila is performed with intricate Madhubani art backdrops.
• Ramnagar: Known for its month-long, non-stop Ramlila performances.
• Benares (Varanasi): Features Ramlila performances with strong religious and cultural significance.

Ramleela: A Global Cultural Tapestry and the Art of Cross-Cultural Narratives

• Ramleela is immensely popular in countries like Nepal, Australia, United States, Mauritius, Pakistan, Netherlands, Canada, Fiji, South Africa, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobaggo and Great Britain.
• Khon Ramlila  
  • Khon Ramlila is a masked form of Ramlila art of Thailand. 
  • It’s a form of masked dance depicting the scenes of Ramlila. 
  • It has no dialogues and background voices narrate the whole story of Ramayana. 
  • It is included in the list of UNESCO’s Intangible cultural heritage.

Revitalizing Tradition: Modern Dimensions in the Spectacle of Ramlila

• Contemporary Themes and Issues: Modern Ramlilas often incorporate contemporary themes, such as gender equality, environmental conservation, and social justice, making the narratives more relatable to today’s audience.
• Incorporation of Technology:
  • Online streaming: Live-streaming on platforms like YouTube and Facebook increased its reach.
  • Virtual Reality (VR): Some organisations have explored VR experiences to provide an immersive Ramleela experience.
  • Special Effects: High-tech lighting, sound systems, and special effects making the show more engaging for the audience.