Top 4 Ramlila performances across India you should see during Navratri

For nine days, actors re-enact stories from Ramayan and on the 10th day, Dussehra is celebrated. (Source: Express Photo by Abhinav Saha)

The festive season in India is is an elaborate package of rituals, customs, stories, recitals and prayers that go on for days. Different regions across the country have their very own unique way of depicting each festival and honouring the deities. One such festival, that is observed in a grand way is Dussehra. This 10-day festival marks the victory of lord Ram over demon king Ravana and is revered as the triumph of good over evil. Performances of Ramlila, a dramatic re-enactment of Ramayana, takes place during the nine days leading up to the 10th day, marking Dussehra, when effigies of Ravana and his brothers Kumbhakarna and Meghanada are burnt. While it is exciting to take part in the customs of our own city, it is always more interesting to take a sneak peak at other places that are also celebrating the same festival. We have curated a list of top four places across India, where you can savour the festival of Navratras.

Varanasi

(Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

Started 475 years ago, the Chitrakoot ground in Varanasi is believed to be the venue of the first Ramlila. Millions of pilgrims, every year, visit the vast procession and performances held at Varanasi. The traditional setting up for Ramlila is set at Ramnagar, located at the banks of river Yamuna. It was initiated by Kashi Naresh Maharaja Udit Narayan Singh in the year 1830 and since then is operated by the Maharaja of Banaras along with Pt Laxmi Narayan Pandey and his family.  The Ramnagar Ramlila is held for 31 days and the location for each scene is different.

 

Lucknow

(Source: Express Photo by Pradeep Kocharekar)

Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, is a pure example of culture and diversity. The Aishbagh built by Asaf-Ud-Dowlah, is a popular spot for the celebration of Ramlila. Shri Ramlila Samiti is known to perform at this location and people from all over the city collect during the festival of Navratri to watch the Ramlila performances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visisted the Aishbagh grounds during the celebration of Dussehra last year.

Ayodhya

(Source: Express photo By Amit mehra)

The traditional celebration of Ramlila, that was abruptly stopped several years ago, will be finally resumed this year. Watching the stories of lord Rama unfold at his birthplace has a different charm all together. Different groups of actors and committees come to perform at this stage and even Muslim youth take part in the celebration.

Almora

(Source: Express Photos by Pradip Das)

Nights come alive on the stages of Almora during the celebration of Navratri. Set in a musical format, the Ramlila style enacted here was developed by Uday Shankar during his stay in Almora. With a theoretical touch, music and talented actors, the Ramlila conducted in this city is surely a lifetime experience.