Author: Neha Lalchandani & Ira Gaur/TNN
Publication: The Times of India
Date: October 11, 2005
Remember your visit to the local Dusshera
mela as a child, the pleadings for toy dhanush-baan and Ravana masks? Or sitting
on your father's shoulder trying to catch a glimpse of the burning effigies?
Or the sheer size of Kumbhkaran? Amidst all this nostalgia, have you ever,
like many a modern parent, felt that the victory of good over evil for today's
child is signified by Harry Potter's encounters with Voldemort? Don't lose
heart. Contrary to popular beliefs, festivals haven't yet lost their charm.
Ramlila, which commenced on October 4, is
a case in point. It is not just the mind-boggling scale of preparations, but
also the community spirit that it fosters. What else could possibly drive
about 450 committees in Delhi alone, some with close to 4,000 members, to
spend months organising a week-long event and motivate thousands of people
to flock to these celebrations?
Holidays and ideal weather have made Ramlilas
the perfect choice for family gatherings. With close to 20,000 people attending
the celebrations daily, the activities can give serious competition to the
Kumbh Mela. Apart from the lure of culture and tradition, food and fun are
also major attractions. Meera Awasthi, a resident of Chandni Chowk, said:
"Ramlilas are a good medium to educate our children about our culture
and religion. I ensure that my grandchildren get a taste of our rich heritage."
Since visuals have a greater impact, many
families encourage their children to go, see and imbibe the values projected
in the Ramayana. From dance dramas to traditional art forms. Ramlila offers
it all on a single platform. And the modern Indian is still deeply rooted
in traditional forms of festivities and entertainment. Maybe that is why Ramlilas
are still invested with so much cultural significance even today.
Money Matters
Catering to such a heterogeneous audience, the organisers leave no stone unturned.
Working on a budget of Rs 80 lakh or more, the stakes are high with detailed
planning of costumes, sets, pandals and effigies. The effigies, varying from
45 to 100 feet, alone cost around a lakh. And every passing year sees a considerable
increase in their size and introduction of new features like moving lips,
flying Hanumans and laser beam shows.
Vishwanath Gupta, Lila Mantri, Dharmic Ramlila
at Subhash Maidan, said: "Events as large as these take a lot of organisation.
We have special units just to manage the financial aspect of the programme."
The funds, largely donated by devotees and committee members, are used over
a month to set up fancy pandals and an elaborate stage. Specialised workmen
and professional acting troupes are called in from all corners of the country
to make the event a success. Security arrangements for such mammoth gatherings
and the special invitees also take a huge chunk of the funds.
Star Attraction
Those visiting Ramlilas in Old Delhi will be delighted with the gastronomical
treat that awaits them. Subhash Maidan is the hub of Old Delhi chaatwalas
with stalls spanning over 100 feet. Be it various flavours of kulfi, ten types
of paan, tandoori paneer or chuski, name it and it's there.
The younger crowd will not be disappointed
either as halwai food is supplemented with fancy Chinese cuisine and fast
food. The Indraprashtha Ramlila in east Delhi resembles an amusement park
with a huge ferris wheel and other joyrides. Some Ramlila committees have
added a different kind of zing to the festivities by inviting Bollywood stars
to perform at the functions. The major draw at the Luv Kush Ramlila this year
will be actor Govinda whose anticipated presence has already stolen the show!
Youth Speak
A major part of the fun and frolic targeted towards the younger generation
that is a stickler for a well packaged product. Ramlilas have smartened up
to the hi-tech world and evolved into a 'come one, come all' occasion. Their
venture has been successful judging by the increased turnout of youngsters
at the Ramlilas this year.
Rahul Sharma, a 17-year old student, said:
"It was a pleasant surprise. I was expecting to find a traditional and
boring rendering of the Ramayan but the acting was stupendous. The songs were
not classical and had a bent towards Bollywood."
Those not fascinated by the Bollywood beats
were definitely enthralled by other entertainment options.
"My friends had also come here with their families and the place bore
the look of a mela," exclaimed Ruhi Verma, a resident of Preet Vihar.
With Ram in the midst of his exile, audiences
are eagerly awaiting the clash of the Titans on October 12, Vijay Dashmi,
when the effigy of Ravana will be burnt to signify Ram's victory over evil.
The festival will culminate on October 13 but this is definitely not the end
of celebrations. Diwali is just round the corner and Delhiites are ready to
light up the town.
