
Ramlila is considered as a dance form having spiritual connectivity; thus a performance of Ramlila creates a festive atmosphere with peaceful waves. Ramlila is generally performed during the festival Dussehra in Uttar Pradesh. It is celebrated for ten days that ends on Dussehra festival, which falls on the tenth day of the bright half of Ashvin month coming in September-October.
This festival is celebrated for the victory of goodness represented by Rama over Ravana representing evil forces. At the time of the performance of the Ramlila, the Ramayana is constantly recited with its verses accompanied by dance and pleasant music. It is an amazing mixture of dance, music, mime, Abhinaya and poetry that is represented in front of enthusiastic and religious audiences. The original art form of Ramlila was unique but with the time, many local variations of Ramlila are added in different parts of the State. These changes are seen primarily with changes in terms of dialogues and music of dance. This art form is performed almost in all villages during the Dussehra festival. Ramlila performance, apart from being rich in the dancing steps is also rich in its costumes, jewelry, masks, headgear, make-up and decoration.
The celebration of Ramlila in Ramnagar at Varanasi held annually is very special & popular. This Lila is enacted on a huge area of about three square miles across the Ganges for thirty days. Here, the performance includes fights, bouts, sword dances, acrobatics, etc. The local Maharaja does the function and offers worship to Lord Rama daily with belief & respect.
(Last Updated on : 5/01/2009)