On stage, Hanuman had just set Lanka ablaze. The prop fire was just orange and red cloth with a fan behind it. But the children in the audience gasped. The mothers clutched their infants. A man in the back row, a burly Sikh with a turban the colour of turmeric, was wiping his eyes with a handkerchief.
And so, the quest began.
Ayodhya: As the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya’s Ramleela carries a unique emotional and religious weight. The performances here are deeply rooted in tradition and draw pilgrims from across the globe. A Royal Tradition: Mysore where to watch ramleela
Leicester, UK: Known for one of the largest Diwali and Navratri celebrations outside of India, Leicester often hosts community-led Ramleela plays. On stage, Hanuman had just set Lanka ablaze
The actor playing Rama—a skinny college kid with pimples—raised a cheap plastic bow. He aimed at the towering effigy of Ravan, fifty feet high, stuffed with firecrackers and straw. A volunteer ran forward with a flaming torch and touched the fuse. The mothers clutched their infants
Dress Comfortably: These are outdoor events that can last several hours. Wear breathable clothing and comfortable shoes.