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ramlila

Indian theater
Also known as: ram leela, ram lila, ramleela

Quick Summary

Ramlila is a popular folk tradition in India that dramatizes the story of Rama, a central deity in Hinduism. It is most commonly performed during the nine-day festival of Navratri, which typically falls in September or October. Each day of the festival features a different episode from the epic Ramayana, the source of the story.

These performances often involve music and dance, with improvised dialogues that engage the audience. A key event is the burning of effigies of the antagonist Ravana on Dussehra, the tenth day, symbolizing Rama's victory over evil. Ramlila performances can be found in both villages and urban centers across North India, making the epic accessible and engaging for many people.

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. Ramayana
  2. Rama
  3. Manipuri dance

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