Lucknow: Emotional scenes depicting Lord Ram’s exile and the Kevat episode captivated audiences on the third day of the ongoing Ramlila organised by the Shri Ramlila Samiti in Mahanagar on Friday. The performances of the Dasharath-Kaikeyi dialogue, Ram-Sita and Ram-Lakshman conversations, Sumantra’s lament and King Dasharath’s death created a deeply devotional atmosphere.
The episode began with Manthara influencing Queen Kaikeyi, who entered the chamber of anger and reminded King Dasharath of the two boons he had promised her. When she demanded that Lord Ram be sent into exile, the king was overcome with grief, expressing his anguish through the poignant line, “Why do you inflict such suffering, O sinner? Ram is dear to my heart.”
Lakshman also insisted on accompanying his elder brother to the forest, pledging to remain devoted to his service.
The Kevat episode proved especially moving. When Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman reached the Ganga to cross the river, the boatman Kevat insisted on washing Ram’s feet before allowing him to board his boat. His profound devotion and humility touched the audience, drawing attention to the themes of faith, love and surrender that lie at the heart of the Ramayana.
Among those present were Parvatiya Mahaparishad president Ganesh Chandra Joshi, K.K. Pandey Kanhaiya, Girish Joshi, G.C. Sanwal, Anand Singh and Tara Datt Joshi.
Yashi Lohumi portrayed Lord Ram, Falguni Lohumi played Lakshman, Anuradha Mishra appeared as Sita, Kunal Pant played Dasharath, Asha Rawat portrayed Kaikeyi, Kamal Pant played Sumantra, Bharti Joshi Kandpal appeared as Kaushalya, and Mahendra Pant portrayed Kevat.
