Artists enact life of Lord Rama in New Delhi as end of Navratri nears

FP Staff • September 29, 2017, 22:21:35 IST

North of India is indeed a large land mass, but one common feature across various states during Dussehra is the celebration of Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana.

Artistes perform during the dance-drama “Shri Ram” at Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra in New Delhi. The play is based on Ramleela, a dramatic folk re-enactment of the life of Ram. PTI

Ramleela originated in northern India in the sixteenth century in connection with religious devotion to Ram, the divine protagonist of the epic Ramayana. PTI

Ramleela comprises a major event of mass participation, particularly attracting children. PTI

The culminating moment of a Ramleela performance is the dramatization of Ram’s victory in face-to-face battle with Ravana. PTI

Ramleela, the enactment of various chapters of Ramayana, is performed in days around the Dussehra festival to celebrate the symbolic victory of good over evil. The performance culminates on Dussehra with Rama killing the demon-king Ravana. PTI