Lucknow: The spectacular episodes of Hanuman setting Lanka ablaze and Angad confronting Ravana in his royal court captivated audiences on the fourth day of the 34th Ramleela celebrations at Sector-A, Sitapur Road Yojana Colony, Lucknow, on Monday.
The performances brought alive Hanuman’s bravery and devotion to Mata Sita, along with Angad’s courage and unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram. The programme began with aarti to Goddess Durga by local MLA Dr Neeraj Bora and other guests.
According to the Ramleela narrative, Ravana orders his demons to set Hanuman’s tail on fire after the latter destroys Ashok Vatika and kills several demons. Hanuman challenges Ravana, declaring that the same tail will shatter his pride. He then uses his burning tail to set the golden city of Lanka ablaze, leaving the demon kingdom engulfed in flames.
Following the destruction, Hanuman meets Mata Sita, who hands him her chudamani and asks him to place it at Lord Ram’s feet. After receiving her blessings, Hanuman crosses the sea and returns to the Vanara army.
The artists also staged episodes depicting Bali’s death, the search for Mata Sita, Lanka Dahan, Vibhishan’s surrender to Lord Ram, the killing of the princes and the Angad-Ravana dialogue.
The confrontation between Angad and Ravana emerged as one of the evening’s major highlights. Angad firmly plants his foot in Ravana’s court and challenges the assembled warriors to move it, demonstrating his determination, courage and unwavering faith in Lord Ram. The audience applauded the performers enthusiastically during the Lanka Dahan and Angad-Ravana sequences.
Ramleela committee president Suresh Tiwari and general secretary Jitendra Mishra said the five-day celebrations would conclude on Tuesday with the killing of Ravana, Lord Ram’s coronation and a prize distribution ceremony.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
