Ramlila: A timeless tradition

Ramlila is the dramatic folk re-enactment of Lord Rama’s life from the Ramayana, celebrated across India. It combines devotion, culture, music, and theatre to convey the timeless story of good versus evil. (Source: Photo by Express Photo by Praveen Khanna )

Origin of Ramlila: Ramlila has its roots in ancient India and was popularized by Tulsidas in the 16th century through his epic, the Ramcharitmanas. It began as a way to educate people about dharma and devotion. (Source: Photo by Express Photo by Praveen Khanna )

Storytelling Through Performance: Ramlila depicts episodes from Lord Rama’s life, from his birth, exile, Sita’s abduction, the battle with Ravana, to his triumphant return to Ayodhya. (Source: Photo by Express Photo by Praveen Khanna )

Music and Attire: Actors wear traditional costumes representing characters like Rama, Sita, Hanuman, and Ravana. Folk music, drums, and instruments set the tone, making the performance lively and immersive. (Source: Photo by Express Photo by Praveen Khanna )

Community and Festivity: Ramlila is a community affair, bringing together people of all ages. Street performances, open-air stages, and local participation make it a festival of culture, devotion, and togetherness. (Source: Photo by Express Photo by Praveen Khanna )

Ramlila Across India: Ramlila is performed in almost every state, with variations in style, duration, and scale — from small village enactments to grand productions in cities like Delhi and Varanasi. (Source: Photo by Express Photo by Praveen Khanna )

Why Ramlila Endures: Ramlila continues to captivate audiences with its blend of devotion, drama, music, and moral storytelling, keeping India’s rich cultural heritage alive. (Source: Photo by Express Photo by Praveen Khanna )