Lucknow: The Railway Ramleela Dussehra Committee and Bharat Milap Shobha Yatra, Alambagh, Lucknow, staged a series of emotionally charged episodes from the Ramayana, bringing the story of Lord Ram’s exile to life before the audience.
The day’s programme featured the Manthara-Kaikeyi dialogue, the confrontation between King Dasharath and Kaikeyi, Ram’s departure for exile and the Kevat episode.
As Ayodhya prepares to celebrate Lord Ram’s coronation, Manthara manipulates Kaikeyi by questioning the future of her son Bharat if Ram ascends the throne. She reminds Kaikeyi of the two boons promised to her by King Dasharath, prompting her to demand that Bharat be crowned king and Ram be sent into exile for 14 years.
Kaikeyi remains firm in her demands despite Dasharath’s desperate attempts to change her mind. The king is devastated by the prospect of separation from his beloved son, but Ram accepts the decision without resistance and leaves Ayodhya to honour his father’s word.
Unable to bear the anguish of Ram’s departure, Dasharath eventually breathes his last, marking one of the most tragic moments in the Ramleela presentation.
The performers brought emotional depth to the episode through their portrayal of family conflict, sacrifice, duty and devotion. Satyam Yadav played Lord Ram, Harshit Sonkar portrayed Lakshman, Mridul Mishra appeared as King Dasharath, Jagjit Singh played Kaikeyi, and Arvind Kumar essayed the role of Manthara.
The presentation highlighted the enduring themes of obedience, sacrifice and the importance of keeping one’s word, which continue to make the Ramayana relevant across generations.
