Celebrities get nostalgic as they recall watching Ramleela and Ravan dahan in their home towns
From watching Ramlila and Ravan dahan, to buying new clothes and toys, Dasehra has a special place in our childhood. Celebrties share what the festival meant to them then and how things have changed now.
Missing spirit
Charrul Malik
It seems like the excitement of Dasehra from our childhood has faded away. Dasehra has turned into just another holiday. The memories are so vivid, like the burning effigy of Ravan, and we wouldn’t return home until the final firework burst from Ravan. We now focus more on celebrating Diwali with new clothes and cleaning the house. It’s sad that in Mumbai, there are very few places where you can witness the burning of Ravan.
Bring it on
Aadesh Chaudhary
Indeed, the times have changed, and now people prefer to watch Ramlila on TV or the internet. When there was no TV or mobile phones, there was ample time, and I, too, participated in Ramlila during my childhood. In our region, the festival season begins with Navratri. I enjoy every festival, from playing Garba during Navratri to lighting fireworks on Dasehra and getting ready for Diwali. It brings a unique joy and excitement.
Family time
Sheeba Akashdeep
Since I was not born and brought up in India, I did not get to act in Ramlila and watch Ravan dahan. But now I have been taking part in Ramlila every year. Dasehra is an important family occasion.
Getting nostalgic
Anupama Solanki
As a child, I used to watch Ramlila with my parents. Those were the golden day. Unfortunately, we have changed but Ramlila pattern hasn’t changed yet. The good thing is that still thousands of people watch Ramlilas. People enjoy the mela and eat chaat pakodas and other yummy food there.
Food & fun
Shivangi Verma
Gone are the days when people used to watch Ramlila and Ravan dahan. It is a childhood thing. Delhites enjoy all the festivals wholeheartedly. Had I been in Delhi, even today I would have continued with my Dasehra rituals. I think people who are working consider Dasehra as another holiday. But, for me, it’s always going to be a festival when we used to get up in the morning and have yummy food. We used to watch Ravan dahan at not just one place but multiple places in that area!
Not just another day
Bhuvnesh Mam
Dasehra has always been special to me. I have never considered it as just another holiday. Being born and brought up in Delhi, going to Ramlila Maidan to watch Ramayan and the mela following it has been close to my heart.
I remember watching the burning of effigies every single year with my cousins and buying the bow and arrow. I still look forward to it.
The magic is gone
Megha Sharma
In the past, Indian festivals were celebrated grandly, with families and friends coming together. I believe that preserving the authenticity of these celebrations is important. I have fond memories of celebrating Dasehra. I remember my mom taking me to watch Ramlila performances as a child. Her narrations of the Ramayana made the visuals even more captivating. That connection to our cultural stories was enchanting, and it made a significant impact. Nowadays, that magic is missing, and the excitement is diminished.
Connecting to roots
Simple Kaul
We used to watch Ramlila during Dasehra. I remember as a child, we would visit Ramlila fairs, and there used to be a huge crowd there. We travelled from far to watch the effigy of Ravan being burnt and then listen to the story. It’s a great way to connect with our roots and understand where we come from. Dasehra teaches us that good will always triumph over evil, and evil will eventually be defeated.
