Prayagraj: The 12-day grand Ramlila by Shri Katra Ramlila Committee will bring a new twist to the traditional show by weaving live folk and martial arts into the story itself. Instead of presenting folk dance and martial arts as separate acts, they have been made part of the Ramkatha to make the scenes of armies, celebrations and gatherings look more lively, energetic and real. The aim is to let people experience the country’s rich folk traditions through a large-scale Ramlila. An artists’ group from Sagar, MP, will perform on the Ramlila stage.
Ramlila director Atul Yadvanshi said a major highlight this year will be an Akhada group from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, brought in to lend a real presence to the armies of Ram and Ravan. He said the group carries forward the legacy of late Padma Shri awardee Bhagwan Das Raikwar, a renowned exponent of the traditional martial art. Yadvanshi, meanwhile, said the approach is to use all forms according to the dramatic requirement of the katha.
It is now led by his son, eminent folk expert Rajkumar Raikwar. The Badhai group has also been sponsored by NCZCC for the production. The production combines traditional storytelling, original theatre writing, live acting, specially designed costumes and properties, multimedia visuals, music, lighting, folk dance and martial traditions to create an immersive theatrical environment. Similarly, the celebrations of Ayodhya will not remain confined to dialogue and narration. They will be expressed through the collective energy of a living folk tradition.