Modern technology breathes new life into ancient storytelling in today’s Ramlila productions

While technology certainly enhances the visual experience, it also sparks a debate: Is this fusion of old and new a natural evolution, or are we losing the soul of this time-honoured tradition?

The scale of technological integration is impressive. (Source: Sumit Gupta, The Saksham Foundation)

A technological renaissance

Dr Mohender Nagpal, executive chairman of the Ramlila committee in Ashok Vihar Phase 1, who said they now use a computerised system and caller mics for all artists, provided insight into more technological integrations. “We now have an additional stage above the main one. The action flows between the two stages with synchronised lighting effects. For example, if there’s a battle scene with fire, you’ll also see it reflected on the LED screen, creating a more immersive experience,” Nagpal told indianexpress.com.

Rajender Mittal, president of the Aryan Heritage Foundation, whose family has been involved with Ramlila for generations, described their approach: “We introduced LED and used portraits of physical sets. Our entire track is pre-recorded in very high-end studios in Mumbai to ensure consistent sound quality.”

Sumit Gupta, organising team member and treasurer at The Saksham Foundation, detailed their setup. He explained they used graphics extensively, and mixed sound, music, and light shows. “Within three hours, we do two shows daily,” he said.

Dr Brijesh Singh, assistant professor in Yogashastra, K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, said, “Nowadays, we need to present Ramlila with the help of technology because it is associated with our human intelligence and mode of understanding.”

Sita’s abduction scene from the Ramayana (Source: Sumit Gupta, The Saksham Foundation)

Preserving authenticity in a digital age

While technology offers new possibilities, the organisers are keenly aware of the need to maintain the spiritual and cultural integrity of Ramlila. Mittal said, “We have used technology only where it is absolutely required. We are not highlighting it excessively, like others do when they talk about technology.”

Nagpal echoed the sentiment, stressing that the use of technology is about enhancing the audience’s connection to the story, not changing it. “For instance, imagine the scene where Raja Dashrath is talking to Kaikeyi. If the music plays well, the audience will shed tears. Now, with that, if images appear on the LED screen, and there is a synchronised sound and light play, you create the right ambience.”

Dr Abhishek Ghosh, director of the Institute for Vaishnava Studies and associate faculty of Hinduism and South Asian Studies at K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies, offered a scholarly perspective on this balance: “The story of Lord Ram transcends cultural, geographical, and temporal boundaries, shaping itself in different forms, remaining alive in the hearts and minds of people,” and that while Valmiki’s original epic serves as the foundational narrative, the genius of the Ramayana lies in its adaptability.

Lav Kush Ramlila at Red Fort New Delhi will showcase a sci-fi musical leela with 4D technology. (Source: Arjun Kumar/Lav Kush Ramlila)

Bridging generations

One of the primary motivations for integrating technology into Ramlila is to engage younger audiences. Kumar said that today’s youngsters are mostly glued to their digital devices. “By embracing modern production techniques, organisers hope to make Ramlila more appealing to this tech-savvy generation.” To address this, his production uses LED screens to ensure visibility even for those sitting far back, and broadcasts live to reach those who can’t attend in person.

Dr Ghosh supported this view: “As we move further into the digital age, we may witness new forms of Ramlila performances––virtual, interactive, or even AI-driven––that will continue to honour the tradition while meeting the expectations of future generations.”

Dr Singh believes Ramlila serves as a reminder of community values. “Ramlila gives the message of sharing, caring, loving, and balancing our social consciousness with the application of social and individual ethics,” he said. He also said he sees Lord Ram’s time in exile as a powerful example of teamwork, leadership, time management, and problem-solving, lessons that are highly relevant today.

The evolving nature of Ramlila performances reflects broader shifts in Indian society. (Source: Aryan Heritage Foundation)

Challenges and considerations

Despite the benefits, this technological evolution comes with its own set of challenges. Financial constraints are a significant factor. Mittal said, “Obviously, integrating technology is an expensive affair.” The high investment in technology also makes it difficult to modify productions once established.

Gupta admitted that getting used to certain aspects of modern technology was challenging initially. “We did not have any prior knowledge, it took time for us to understand. We went to Mumbai and hired a writer, a graphic designer, and a sound designer.”

There are also concerns about the potential for technology to overshadow the spiritual message of Ramlila. Dr Ghosh addressed this concern, saying, “Since the Valmiki Ramayana is recognised and preserved as the core text, all other versions will always be measured against it. As technology advances, anything inauthentic to the Ramayana’s core message will naturally be rejected by the educated and sensitive public.”

TV star Himanshu Soni is portraying Shri Ram, while Samiksha Bhatnagar is taking on the role of Sita in Lav Kush Ramlila this year. (Source: Arjun Kumar/Lav Kush Ramlila)

The future of Ramlila

As Ramlila continues to evolve, organisers and scholars alike see a bright future for this beloved tradition. The integration of technology, when done thoughtfully, has the potential to breathe new life into these ancient stories.

Dr Ghosh said, “Every generation faces unique crises, and to respond effectively on time, they often turn to timeless texts like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Its deep insights into the nature of the world and the human condition speak to every circumstance and crisis.”

Dr Singh stressed the need to use technology responsibly in Ramlila performances. “We must use technology for real presentations, not fake representations, of the spiritual journey of Lord Ram,” he said. He also called for educational initiatives that include Ramlila in school curriculums, research projects, and spiritual tourism programmes. “Students, who are now so deeply engaged with technology, can easily connect with these stories if they are presented in an accessible way,” he said.