Historic Lucknow Ramlila blends digital light-and-sound effects with performances reflecting the artistic traditions of Uttar Pradesh and Bengal
Lucknow: The historic Aishbagh Ramlila came alive with devotion and celebration on Monday as the episode of Sita’s swayamvar, the breaking of Lord Shiva’s bow and the wedding of Lord Ram and Sita was staged before an enthusiastic audience. The spectacular presentation, enhanced by digital light-and-sound effects, brought together the artistic contributions of performers from Uttar Pradesh and Bengal.
The episode began with King Janak of Mithila announcing that his daughter Sita would marry the warrior who could lift Lord Shiva’s mighty bow and string it. Several powerful kings attempted the challenge but failed even to move the bow. As King Janak grew distressed, Guru Vishwamitra instructed Lord Ram to try. Ram lifted the bow, but it broke as he attempted to string it.
Sita then placed the wedding garland around Ram’s neck, prompting the Ramlila grounds to resound with chants of “Siya Var Ramchandra Ki Jai” and “Jai Shri Ram”.
The dramatic sequence continued with the arrival of Lord Parashuram, angered by the sound of the bow breaking. His sharp exchanges with Lakshman captivated the audience before Ram’s calm and courteous words pacified him.
The celebrations culminated in the arrival of King Dasharath from Ayodhya with Ram’s wedding procession. The marriages of Ram and Sita, Bharat and Mandavi, Lakshman and Urmila, and Shatrughna and Shrutakirti were enacted. The emotional farewell of Janak’s daughters brought a poignant close to the wedding sequence.
Before the main Ramlila, local artists presented cultural performances on the cultural stage. Artists from Ghritakshi Sangeet Shala staged a theatrical presentation of Sita’s swayamvar, featuring Alankriti Raut as Sita, Akshay Lamba as Ram and Devyansh Trivedi as Lakshman. Prisha, Divya, Isha, Urvi, Anaika, Saanvi, Aaradhya, Kavya, Riyansha, Pakhi, Geetanjali, Samantha, Vandita, Savita, Vaishnavi Shukla, Adrika Mishra, Reet Bajaj, Nandita Mathur and Aakriti Agrawal also participated in various roles.
The play was directed by Muskan Khatri, with Satyendra Arya handling music direction and composition. Huma Sahu and her fellow artists subsequently enthralled the audience with expressive dance performances.
Harishchandra Agrawal, president of the Shri Aishbagh Ramlila Committee, said Tuesday’s programme would feature Ram’s wedding procession arriving in Ayodhya, the decision to crown Ram, Dasharath’s conversation with his son, Manthara influencing Kaikeyi, Kaikeyi’s anger and the exile of Ram, Sita and Lakshman. The staging will also portray the people of Ayodhya opposing the decision to send Ram into exile.
