From street play to grand affair: Delhi's Ramlila set go bigger, better, and more spectacular

Expect laser shows, stunts, and scene-stealers at this year's Ramlila events in the city. Artists from across the country have begun rehearsals for various versions of the Lord Ram story, turning what used to be small-scale street plays into grand spectacles, thanks to modern technology.

Ramlila, a 10-day performance based on the Ramayana, featuring songs, narration, recitals, and dialogues, is a prelude to Dussehra. While some locations in Delhi keep it simple, places like Red Fort, Ramlila Maidan, and Dwarka host extravagant celebrations.

The Lav Kush Ramlila at Red Fort has been an integral part of Delhi's Dussehra culture for years. This year, the cast includes noted actor Gagan Malik, famous for his role as Lord Ram in the 2012 TV series "Ramayan." Haryanvi actor Kavita Joshi will portray Sita, while Ravana will be brought to life by actor Mukesh Rishi.

Arjun Kumar, president of the Lav Kush Ramlila Committee, revealed that political figures like BJP's Ashwini Kumar Choubey and AAP's Brijesh Goyal will also join the cast. Joshi expressed her delight in women playing female roles, making the performance more relatable for the audience.

The Lav Kush Ramlila promises to be bigger and better this year, with over 250 artists from different parts of the country. The addition of special 3D and LED lights, along with a captivating background score, will create an immersive jungle ambiance. Expect artists performing mid-air stunts that will leave the audience in awe.

Meanwhile, the Pahado Ki Ramlila at Pyare Lal Bhawan in ITO will be a musical production, in the Bheemtali tradition, with artists from Uttarakhand rehearsing for two months before the show.

The Shri Dharmik Leela Committee, organizing one of the city's oldest Ramlilas, will feature a 60-foot-tall stage and dazzling laser lights to enhance the visual experience.

Additionally, many Ramlila organizers plan to set up selfie points at their venues, offering the opportunity for visitors to capture memories with G20 and Chandrayaan 3 as the backdrop.

Delhi is all set to witness a diverse range of Ramlila celebrations, blending tradition with modern technology and providing a vibrant cultural experience for all.