In this unique Ramlila, children below 12 play main characters

Prayagraj: Kaushambi’s Daranagar Ramlila stands out among all for its unique concept with only kids below 12 years of age portraying the main characters of Ramayan in 13 different localities of Kadha Dham area of the district.
Played under the banner of Daranagar Ramlila committee, it is organised only during daytime at different localities where people of different communities come together to help. It is set to commence from September 26 and continue till October 6. While children portray the characters of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita characters of Hanuman, Jamvant, Sugreev and Angad are played by adults.
Another attraction of the Ramlila is the historical “Kuppi Yuddh” between the armies of Lord Ram and demon king Ravan.
Two groups comprising 40 member each fight with plastic funnels on a big ground. Interestingly, visitors from across the country arrive to see “Kuppi Fight’ which is being played on 10th (Dashmi) and 11th day (Ekadashi) of Ramlila. The fight is arranged at a special ground spread over 3600 sqm. Adequate security arrangements, including barricading, is being done to ensure no trouble to spectators. Adya Prasad Pandey, president of the committee told TOI: “Daranagar Ramlila is different from others. We don’t play Ramlila on stage and kids below 12 years of age play prominent characters under the guidance and direction of priests only during daytime at different localities.” Pandey added that the Ramlila is into its 243th year.
“While Ramilia is being staged in daytime, priests organise whole-night pujas in that particular locality where the episode of Ramilala is staged. Later, Lord Ram’s sawari (procession) is taken out by a team of 15 purohits,” he added.
Locals, claimed that Ramlila was inaugurated by one Vijay Mishra about 242 years back but gained popularity about 100 years back. People from different communities, including Muslims, also offer helping hand to organise this special Ramlila. Most importantly, the killing of Ravan is not organised on Dusshera but on a day later on Ekadashi.