Author: Maneesha Karan
Publication: Fiji Times
Date: October 18, 2010
URL: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=158100
TEN days of the 105th Ram Leela festival celebrated
in Bulileka, Labasa came to an end yesterday after the burning of Ravana ù
the ten-headed king of demons in the Hindu mythology the Ramayana.
The daily theatrical enactment of the Ramayan
attracted a crowd of about 500 to the Bulileka temple every day.
Pundit Shiv Maharaj said the performance depicted
the themes of Ramayan and the path led by Lord Rama.
"The festival has become more significant
because it is celebrated during Dashara-parv, where we perform the year's
biggest prayer ceremony," he said.
"During this period we perform dhuni
prayer where some members camp in the temple premises."
This year the 10-day dhuni prayer was observed
by Mr Maharaj, the festival's manager Bhim Raj and president Jay Narayan.
"During these 10 days, the participants
are disallowed from moving out of the temple premises, nor go home or eat
food cooked outside the premises or by other people.
"The participants are donated food items
which they cook themselves," Mr Maharaj said.
The act concluded with the victory of Lord
Rama over Ravana. This was depicted during the festival by the burning a 21
feet tall effigy of Ravana.
This was made within three days by festival
members Dharam Raj and Raj Gopal. The effigy was made of bamboo, cardboard,
ply-wood and sari.
"This festival is held since the time
of our ancestors and we would like to carry on the tradition of Ram Leela
raas (performance) and keep the mythology alive amongst the younger generation,"
Mr Maharaj said.
The actors included students of Bulileka primary
and secondary schools.