Where to see Ramlila performances across India?

While it is exciting to participate in the Navratri celebration of our city, it is always more interesting to take a sneak peek at other places that are also celebrating the same festival. We have curated a list of the top four places across India where grand Ramlila performances take place.

The festive season in India is an elaborate package of rituals, customs, stories, recitals, and prayers that go on for days. Different regions across the country have their unique way of depicting each festival and honoring the deities. One such festival that is observed grandly is Dussehra. This 10-day festival marks the victory of Lord Ram over the demon king Ravana and is revered as the triumph of good over evil. Performances of Ramlila, a dramatic re-enactment of Ramayana, takes place during the nine days leading up to the 10th day, marking Dussehra when effigies of Ravana and his brothers Kumbhakarna and Meghanada are burnt. While it is exciting to take part in the customs of our city, it is always more interesting to take a sneak peek at other places that are also celebrating the same festival. We have curated a list of the top four places across India where you can savor the festival of Navratras.

Varanasi

Starting 475 years ago, the Chitrakoot ground in Varanasi is believed to be the venue of the first Ramlila. Millions of pilgrims, every year, visit the vast procession and performances held at Varanasi. The traditional setup for Ramlila is set at Ramnagar, located at the banks of river Yamuna. Kashi Naresh Maharaja Udit Narayan Singh initiated it in the year 1830 and since then has been operated by the Maharaja of Banaras along with Pt Laxmi Narayan Pandey and his family. The Ramnagar Ramlila is held for 31 days, and the location for each scene is different.

Lucknow

Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, is a pure example of culture and diversity. The Aishbagh, built by Asaf-Ud-Dowlah, is a popular spot for the celebration of Ramlila. Shri Ramlila Samiti is known to perform at this location, and people from all over the city collect during the festival of Navratri to watch the Ramlila performances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Aishbagh grounds during the celebration of Dussehra last year.

Ayodhya

The traditional celebration of Ramlila, which was abruptly stopped several years ago, will be finally resumed this year. Watching the stories of Lord Rama unfold at his birthplace has a different charm altogether. Different groups of actors and committees come to perform at this stage, and even Muslim youth participate in the celebration.

Almora

Nights come alive on the stages of Almora during the celebration of Navratri. Set in a musical format, the Ramlila style enacted here was developed by Uday Shankar during his stay in Almora. The Ramlila conducted in this city is surely a lifetime experience with a theoretical touch, music, and talented actors.

Delhi

Come to Delhi’s very own Ram Leela hosted by Shri Ram Leela Committee; this one is around 180 years old. It is, in fact, a celebration that was started by Mughal King Bahadur Shah Zafar and is the oldest in the city. You will find the best Ramlila performances across India. The performers parade down the lanes of Old Delhi before the show starts every day. It is quite a spectacle and not to be missed by residents and visitors alike. It is conducted at the Ramlila Maidan, opposite Zakir Hussain College.

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