Ramlila

Ramlila (Hindi: रामलीला) is a dramatic folk re-enactment of the ten day battle between Lord Ram and Ravan, as described in the Hindu religious epic, the "Ramayana". A tradition that originates from the Indian subcontinent, the play is often staged over ten or more successive nights, timed to culminate in the festival of Dashehra, that commemorates the victory of Lord Ram.

Format

Traditionally organized in a makeshift open-air theater at night, it is usually staged by amateur actors drawn from the same social grouping as the audience. There is often a singer (occasionally a priest) in the sidelines who recites relevant verses from the Ramayan during scene-changes or at moments of dramatic tension. These recitations and the narrative of the play are usually based on Gosvami Tulsidas' version of the Ramayan, in the Awadhi language. The dialog is improvised, and often responsive to audience reactions. Dhol drummers and other musicians participate. The atmosphere is usually festive and free, with the audience whistling and commenting as the story proceeds.

In many rural areas, traditional venues for Ramlila have developed over the centuries, and hundreds of people will often make the trip nightly to attend the play. Surrounding areas temporarily transform into bazars to cater to the audience. Depending on the region, interspersed breaks in the play can become impromptu talent shows for local society. Though the play itself is thematically religious, this social aspect often draws in people from non-Hindu segments of the community as well. Performance costs are usually financed by fundraising in the community, often by self-organized Ramlila Committees.

Geographic Spread

The Ramlila is staged in most countries that with Hindu populations that have origins in Northern India, Central India, Nepal or Pakistan. Outside the Indian subcontinent, this includes Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Guyana, Surinam, Trinidad and Tobago, Great Britain, the United States, and Australia. Some Asian cultures have similar drama traditions based on the Ramayan, for instance the Phra Lak Phra Lam (Lak and Lam are the Laotian names for Lakshman and Ram, respectively) folkplay of Laos and northeastern Thailand.

References

*"Actors, Pilgrims, Kings And Gods: The Ramlila of Ramnagar," Anuradha Kapur, Seagull, 2006.
*"Peasants in the Pacific: A Study of Fiji Indian Rural Society," Adrian C. Mayer, Routledge & Kegan Paul, London, 1973.
*"The Cambridge Guide to Asian Theatre," James R. Brandon, Cambridge University Press, 1997.

External links

*Webpage on Ramlila, http://www.aryabhatt.com/fast_fair_festival/Festivals/Ram%20Lila.htm
*"Ramlila: Spectator-participants in God's life," http://www.indiayogi.com/content/festivals/ramlila.asp
*"Ramlila in Uttar Pradesh," http://www.bharatonline.com/uttar-pradesh/culture/ramlila.html
*"Ramlila in Delhi (Lav Kush Ramlila Committee, Redfort)," http://www.lavkush.com
*"Ramlila in Greater Noida ," http://www.ramleela1.com