Journalism of Courage
With the use of advanced technology such as light, aerial acts and sound effects, the overall performance of Ramleela at Prayagraj's Jamnipur Kotwa district has completely changed. This Ramleela is performed around 30 km from Allahabad, now renamed as Prayagraj. (Express photo by Ritesh Shukla)
Ramleela is performed here since the year 1916, first with the special permission of British general and then Uttar Pradesh police granted them special permission for the play. (Express photo by Ritesh Shukla)
The purpose of this Ramleela was mainly to exploit the western culture. (Express photo by Ritesh Shukla)
Earlier, when there was no electricity and sound system, the performances used to take place during the day only. This practice is still followed here. (Express photo by Ritesh Shukla)
The Ramleela is still performed in open ground without any stage and the sound system is brought to the ground itself. Although the characters still wear traditional costumes but the wooden shoes have no been replaced by the sports shoes. (Express photo by Ritesh Shukla)
The most interesting fact about this Ramleela is that young boys play all the characters and sometimes Sita is even taller than Rama which makes it all the more appealing. (Express photo by Ritesh Shukla)
When some of the characters are not delivering their dialogues, they are often seen sitting among the crowd talking to their fellow villagers. (Express photo by Ritesh Shukla)
The Ramleela here starts from the very first day of Shardiya Navratri and goes on till Dussehra. (Express photo by Ritesh Shukla)
