Una residents keep Ramlila tradition alive for 6 decades

Continuing a tradition spanning over six decades, the Una Ramlila Committee has once again successfully staged the epic religious drama, “Ramlila”, drawing thousands of visitors each night to the government school grounds. The event, deeply rooted in local culture, brings the community together in celebration of the Hindu epic, Ramayana.

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Committee chairman Prince Rajput and president Avinash Kapila highlighted that the permanent office of the Ramlila Committee is located at ‘Sarai Suthara’ in Una’s old bazaar. The office houses stage decoration items, costumes, and props like bows and arrows, meticulously maintained for each character in the performance. Kapila proudly noted that the tradition has been carried on by generations of the same families.

Committee general secretary Dr Subhash Sharma added that in recent years, storytellers from Vrindavan have been invited to ensure the authenticity of the Ramayana retelling. This has led to an increase in both religious enthusiasm and the audience size.

Organising Secretary Rajiv Bhanot explained that depending on the script, the characters get ready by the afternoon, and vibrant sets are transported on tractor-trailers through the city. From 7 to 8 pm, guests are introduced, and prayers are held, followed by the Ramlila performance, which runs from 8 to 11 pm.

Funding for the event comes from contributions by committee members and donations from the local community. Despite the availability of Ramayana on television, there remains a strong interest in the live performance, with attendees eagerly participating in the festivities. Kapila mentioned that the event would culminate on Saturday with the dramatic burning of effigies of Ravana and Kumbhkarna, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

Ramlila is also performed in several other villages in the district, where local committees organise similar events, often providing meals to visitors as part of the celebration.