Ram Lila

Ramlila is a dramatic folk re-enactment of the life of Lord Ram, ending up in a ten-day battle between Lord Ram and Ravan, as described in the Hindu religious epic, the Ramayana. A tradition that originates from the Indian subcontinent, the play is staged annually often over ten or more successive nights, during the auspicious period of 'Sharad Navratras'. It marks the commencement of the Autumn festive period, starting with the Dussehra festival. Usually, the performances are timed to culminate on the festival of Vijayadashami day that commemorates the victory of Lord Ram over the demon king Ravana. The actors are taken out in a procession through the city, leading up to a mela ground or town square, where the enactment of the final battle takes place. Giant effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran and son Meghanath are set on fire, and coronation or Abhisheka of Lord Rama at Ayodhya takes place, marking the culmination of festivities and restoration of the divine order.