Topic Description
Ramleela Traditions
Ramleela is a dramatic folk re-enactment of the life of Lord Rama, as described in the Hindu religious epic the Ramayana. It is traditionally performed during the festival of Navratri, over a period of 10 days, culminating on the day of Vijayadashami. The performance includes music, dance, and dialogues, depicting the birth and childhood of Rama, his exile, his wife Sita's abduction by Ravana, and finally, Rama's victory over Ravana.
10 Days of Ramleela
Over the course of 10 days, different episodes from the Ramayana are enacted. The first day usually starts with the invocation of Lord Rama. The following days depict various events like Rama's exile, Sita's abduction, Hanuman's devotion to Rama, and the building of the bridge to Lanka. The final days depict the battle between Rama and Ravana, ending with Ravana's death and Rama's coronation.
Famous Ramleela Places in India
Some of the most famous places for Ramleela in India include Ramnagar in Varanasi, which is known for its 31-day long performance; Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama; and Delhi, where the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra organizes a renowned Ramleela. Other notable places include Mathura, Vrindavan, and Almora.
Famous Ramleela Places Abroad
Ramleela is also performed in various parts of the world where there is a significant Hindu population. Some of the notable places include Trinidad and Tobago, where it is declared as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO; Guyana, Suriname, Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Watching Ramleela Live Online
Yes, with the advent of technology, many Ramleela performances are now streamed live online. Various social media platforms, YouTube channels, and websites of cultural organizations provide live streaming or recorded performances of Ramleela. This allows people from all over the world to witness and enjoy this traditional Indian drama.