Technology adds flair to Patiala's Ramlila festivities

The traditional Ramlila—that has been the integral part of the Patiala’s rich cultural history, will be staged at 8 pm every evening. The annual celebrations culminate with the burning of Ravana’s effigy on Dassehra to mark victory of good over evil.

The traditional Ramlila that has been part of the festival season has taken on a new avatar with the help of technological advancements here at the Jorian Bhathian Chowk, with artistes rehearsing for over a month in advance to perform the epic.

Over the years, the traditional Ramlila has been making way new-age technology and changes in dialogue delivery. Once considered the domain of men, the event has started seeing participation from women.

“Over 50 artistes are part of the event,” said chief organiser Varun Jindal. He is essaying the role of Bhagwan Parshuram at Jorian Bhathian’s Ramlila.

The nine-day performance that commences on the first Navratri takes more than 100 stage artistes, background, management staff, who train and rehearse for nearly two months, to make the event happen. “We have artists aged six years and 50 years old depicting various characters”, he says.

Organisers said enactment had undergone a sea change over the years. Jindal said, “The time spent in enactment has changed over the years. We were the first to introduce women’s participation in 2015. Earlier, women’s roles were played by men. Now we have child artists too.”

Director Ashish Kaushal, who did his PhD thesis on Ramlila, said the use of dialogues has undergone change, but bringing the real essence is the key. “Dialogues are in hindi for the audience to understand the true meaning. Earlier, we used poems and sayings that were difficult to comprehend for common folk, but now easier language is there, though keeping the essence of Ramayana is priority.”

But the use of technology has also increased the expenditure. Organisers said they spent nearly two months, collecting funds — from their own pockets and people. “We have been rehearsing from the past one month and that helps bring the best in every actor. Actors are auditioned from amongst the nearby residents”, says Jindal.