RAMLEELA

• Ramleela, meaning “Rama’s play,” is a multi-scene production of the Ramayana epic in northern India, involving song, storytelling, recital, and dialogue.

• It is a part of the Dussehra celebration, occurring annually in the fall.

• Prominent locations for Ramleela include Ayodhya, Ramnagar, Benares, Vrindavan, Almora, Sattna, and Madhubani.

• The Ramayana, based on the Ramacharitmanas, is a popular narrative genre in northern India.

• Tulsidas authored this sacred poem in the sixteenth century to make the Sanskrit epic accessible to  all.

•  Bakshi ka Talab near Lucknow hosts a unique Ramleela since 1972, featuring Muslim teenagers as the main characters.

• “Us gaon Ki ramleela” has been adapted into a radio drama to foster community  spirit.

• UNESCO recognized Ramleela as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008.

• Ramleela traditionally unites people across caste, religion, and age, with villagers actively participating in costume making, makeup, effigies, and  lighting.

For more information visit: https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/ramlila- the-traditional-performance-of-the-ramayana-00110