Jhansi: A three-day Ramlila will be organised at the historic Ram Raja Temple in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, from October 30 to November 1, bringing the story of the Ramayana to life through traditional theatre at one of the region’s most significant religious sites.
The event is being organised by Sabyata Foundation in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. The Shubh Pravesh Events Ramlila troupe, which has performed at several prominent cultural venues across India, will stage its first performance at the temple, where Lord Ram is worshipped as the king of Orchha.
The performances will take place daily from 7 pm to 9.30 pm, with entry beginning at 6 pm. Admission will be free for all visitors.
The programme marks Sabyata Foundation’s first public event in Madhya Pradesh and aims to connect tourists with Orchha’s distinctive Bundela heritage, religious traditions and living cultural practices.
Avantika Dalmia, co-chair of the foundation’s advisory board, said Orchha occupies a unique place among India’s religious destinations because Lord Ram is revered here as Raja Ram. She said staging the Ramlila at the temple goes beyond a theatrical presentation, becoming part of the town’s living cultural tradition. She added that accessible, locally rooted cultural experiences could help visitors develop a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage.
The foundation works as a Monument Mitra under the Government of India’s Adopt a Heritage 2.0 initiative, focusing on heritage conservation, cultural programming and improving visitor experiences at historical sites.
In partnership with Dalmia Bharat, its ‘Jai Hind’ sound-and-light show at Delhi’s Red Fort has gained international recognition. The foundation is also involved in heritage initiatives at Safdarjung Tomb, Purana Qila and Mehrauli Archaeological Park in Delhi.
The Shubh Pravesh troupe has extensive experience performing at major cultural venues. Since 2014, it has staged Ramlila at Delhi’s Red Fort in association with the Delhi Lav Kush and religious Ramlila committees. Its previous performances include a production in Bhopal in 2017, performances in Ayodhya in 2020 and 2021 that were broadcast on Doordarshan National, and a presentation during Chaitra Navratri in Chitrakoot in 2022.
Through the Orchha initiative, Sabyata Foundation and the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board aim to promote the town as a heritage tourism destination by bringing together its historic monuments, religious significance and continuing cultural traditions. The Ramlila is intended to offer visitors an opportunity to experience these traditions in their original cultural setting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
