Performers in New Delhi brought Hindu gods to life in the Ramleela, a re-enactment of Lord Rama’s life from the religious epic Ramayana ahead of the Dussehra festival. The festival celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. In elaborate costumes and ornate crowns, artists embody the revered gods, striving to embody the values depicted in the epic.
Ashutosh Agnihotri, a 23-year-old actor playing Lord Rama in the Ramleela, highlighted the importance of portraying the character of a god and embracing the teachings that come with it. He emphasized the need to control his emotions and live a life in line with the virtues depicted by Lord Rama.
The Ramleela, a beloved performance in Hindu-majority India, recounts the tale of Lord Rama’s exile, Sita’s abduction by Ravana, and the ensuing battle for her rescue. The production incorporates song, dance, narration, melodramatic dialogue, and live music to engage audiences, showcasing the victory of good over evil.
Rakesh Ratnakar, a retired drama teacher directing the Ramleela, orchestrates the production with a blend of traditional techniques and modern outreach methods. The performance, funded by donations, combines traditional storytelling with the use of digital technology to reach contemporary audiences.
For the actors, including Hitanshi Jha who plays Sita, the performances are seen as guided by a divine force, adding a spiritual dimension to their portrayal of the revered characters. As the festival culminates, the actors seek blessings from the director before dismantling their costumes and props, reflecting on their roles before returning to their everyday lives.
The Dussehra festival also marks the end of the five-day Durga Puja celebration for India’s Bengali community, drawing worshippers to temporary shrines dedicated to the powerful goddess Durga. The Ramleela performance encapsulates the essence of Indian culture and Hindu beliefs, uniting devotees in a celebration of faith and tradition.