Hindustan Times (Gurugram) - Hindustan Times (Gurugram) - City
NOW SHOWING: THE VICTORY OF GOOD OVER EVIL
From bringing action against sexual harassment in focus and supporting health care, to eschewing plastic and effigyburning, Ramlilas in DelhiNCR are spreading awareness on social issues prevalent today a
SAMPURN RAMAYANA, PITAMPURA
How about viewing the entire Ramayana in Broadway style, that too, in just three hours? The show is performed by over 120 professional actors and dancers — including graduates of National School of Drama. “The title song of the show is sung by Udit Narayan and Ravana’s introduction is sung by Kailash Kher. Narrator’s voiceover is by actor Mukesh Khanna,” says Saurabh Mittal, vice president, Aryan Heritage Foundation.
Where: Netaji Subhash Place, Opposite NDM 2 Mall, Pitampura
On till: October 18; Timing:
7pm to 10pm
LAV KUSH RAMLILA, OLD DELHI
Bollywood actors used to come for Ravan burning at this Ramlila — one of the city’s oldest, and soon started playing characters in it. This year, one will also see politicians on stage.
Where: Madhavas Park, opposite Lajpat Rai Market near Red Fort On till: October 20 Timing: 7pm to 11.30pm
NAV SHRI DHARMIK LEELA, OLD DELHI
This production boasts a 160ft wide stage to add more drama to scenes such as Hanuman’s flight to Lanka. The Ravana dahan at this Ramlila will have a fourth effigy titled #MeToo, to raise awareness among masses about sexual harassment.
Where: 15 August Park, opp Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, near Red Fort
On till: October 20 Timing: 8.30pm to 11.30pm
SHRI GURUDRONACHARYA RAMLILA, SECTOR 12, GURUGRAM
Organised by Shri Guru Dronacharya Ramlila Club for 65 years now, the production has episodes such as Sugreev Mitrata, Bali Vadh, Kumbhkaran Vadh, Lanka Dahan, and Raj Tilak. Sonu Saini, who has been playing Lord Ram for 20 years, says, “I play Ram, and my two brother play Ravana and Ahirawan. We start preparing months before the Ramlila commences. Apni sanskriti ke baare mein jaanna chahiye aur batana bhi chahiye. Ramlila has been in our family for generations.”
Where: New Railway Road, Sector 12, Gurugram On Till: October 20
Timing: 9pm onwards
SAMPOORNA RAMLILA, COPERNICUS MARG
This is the 62nd consecutive year of this Ramlila, a fine example of the narration of Rama’s story combined with stagecraft. Some of the actors in this Ramlila are also from abroad. Shobha Deepak Singh, its director, and vice chairperson of the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra says, “This year, we have brought in new technology to present certain scenes. Ours was the first Ramlila to be telecast on TV, in the black and white era, and even today it looks like new every year because the actors are new and start rehearsing two months in advance.”
Where: Lawns, Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, 1, Copernicus Marg
On till: November 5 ; Timing: 6.30pm to 9.15pm
DWARKA SHREE RAMLILA
This production aims to create awareness among people to educate the girl child. “We are asking people to oust those from the society who commit crimes against women. We must respect women, and the first step towards this is to promote girl child education,” says Rajesh Gahlot, chief patron of the organising committee. Where: Dwarka, Sector 10 On till: October 19 Timing: 8pm to midnight
SHRI DURGA RAMLILA, JACOBPURA, GURUGRAM
From traffic rules to plastic pollution, social messages galore at this 53-year-old Ramlila. In the coming days, one can watch episodes such as Bharat Milap, Angad Ravana Samvad, Dashrath Pratigya, Sugreeva Mitrata, Bali Vadh (all chapters from the epic). “The first day we gave the message of segregation of waste and discouraging the use of single-use plastic. And this time at Lanka Dahan, we will not light fire unlike previous years, but do a 3D laser show instead. This will not affect the environment,” says Raj Kumar Saini, from the committee. Where: Jacobpura, Gurugram On till: October 20 Timing: 8.30pm