UP’s Ramlila colours at international fest

In a departure from custom, the effigy of Ravan is not burnt but worshipped in the Ramlila of Jaswantnagar, Etawah. In Daranagar, Kaushambi, a ‘kuppi’ war marks the acts from the epic Ramayan. The Ramlila of Ballia is said to have made an immense contribution in the freedom movement and the Bakshi ki Talab (Lucknow) Ramlila is an example of Hindu-Muslim unity. The colours are equally vibrant in Sri Lanka, Mauritus, Trinidad and Tobago and Thailand, where Ramlila is enacted with the same fervour.

The various forms and formats of the enactment would be showcased at an International Ramlila Festival in New Delhi in 2015. While the Indira Gandhi National Cultural Centre would host the event, the Ayodhya Research Institute--a wing of UP’s culture department-- would be the leading associate for the mega event.

A consultation to ponder over the various plans and chalk out the events was hosted by the culture department at Jai Shankar Prasad hall, Qaiserbagh on Friday.

“This is the second consultation hosted as a prelude to the mega fest that would witness participation from across India and abroad. Two more similar consultations would be hosted in the north-east and in Kerala so as to include the flavour of the entire country in the fest,” said YP Singh, director Ayodhya Research Institute.

“UP has had a very rich culture of Ramlila and our session here is aimed at extracting ideas for the Festival. As per the plan till now, the festival would have an elaborate exhibition of pictures and documents related to Ramlila, food festival, handicrafts, performances and a conference,” said Prof Mauli Kaushal from Indira Gandhi National Cultural Centre.

Also present were members of various Ramlila committees in the state, academicians, culture experts and others.