Patiala: Ramlila keeps tradition alive with new-age tech

It is an annual custom for many in the city to participate in Ramlila, which culminates with the burning of Ravana’s effigy on Dassehra to mark victory of good over evil. The traditional Ramlila that has been part of the festival season has taken on a new avatar with the help of technological advancements here at the Jorian Bhathian Chowk, with artistes rehearsing for over a month in advance to perform the epic.

Over the years, the traditional Ramlila has been making way new-age technology and changes in dialogue delivery. Once considered the domain of men, the event has started seeing participation from women.

“Over 30 artistes are part of the event,” said chief organiser Varun Jindal. He is essaying the role of Bhagwan Parshuram at Jorian Bhathian’s Ramlila. The nine-day performance that commences on the first Navratri takes more than 100 stage artistes, background, management staff, who train and rehearse for nearly two months, to make the event happen.

Organisers said enactment had undergone a sea change over the years. Jindal said: “The time spent in enactment has changed over the years. We were the first to introduce women’s participation in 2015. Earlier, women’s roles were played by men.”

Director Ashish Kaushal, who did his PhD thesis on Ramlila, said the use of dialogues has undergone change, but bringing the real essence is the key. “Earlier, we used poems and sayings that were difficult to comprehend for common folk. We have switched to content and delivery that is easier to understand and the crowds are swelling.”

“Earlier, we used curtains to present different settings. It used to be tiresome. Now, we do that with the help of digital screens and lapel microphones, allowing performers to deliver dialogues better,” he said.

But the use of technology has also increased the expenditure. Organisers said they spent nearly two months, collecting funds — from their own pockets and people.