A lavish, three-dimensional Ram Leela production opened in Ayodhya on Monday, transforming the Ram Katha Park into a grand stage for the Hindu epic. The event features a cast of political figures, beauty pageant winners and Bollywood personalities, signalling its scale and ambition.
Mounted on a massive 120-foot platform, the nightly show runs until October 2. According to a report by The Indian Express, the opening night saw actor Vindu Dara Singh as Lord Shiva, BJP MPs Ravi Kishan and Manoj Tiwari as Kewat and Bali and Miss Universe India 2025 Manika Vishwakarma as Sita.
For the performers, the event transcends mere theatre. Vindu Dara Singh described the profound experience of performing before the nation’s highest dignitaries. He told The Indian Express that protocol requires actors to stand perfectly still and silent when the President and Prime Minister approach the stage.
“It gives goosebumps and chills run through your body when all of them stand before you with folded hands to put tilak on your forehead,” Singh said. He recalled a moment from last year’s performance at the Red Fort where he was momentarily frozen when the Prime Minister asked him, “Hanuman ji, tilak kahan lagayen?”
Embracing these divine roles demands significant personal sacrifice. Singh, a regular at the Ayodhya Ram Leela since the pandemic, explained the strict discipline involved. “We changed our lifestyle completely during this time,” he said. “I personally do not consume liquor or non-vegetarian food while I play the role of a god. I pray to Hanuman and meditate every morning to prepare myself for the role.”
This dedication underscores the sacred dimension that performers attribute to the live spectacle.
The Ayodhya Ram Leela has seen exponential growth. Subhash Mallik, one of the event organisers, informed The Indian Express that it began as a modest venture in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. It has since evolved into a major national attraction.
“Last year our Ram Leela attracted around 45–47 crore viewers across platforms and Doordarshan; this year we are expecting an even larger audience,” Mallik stated.
Coordinating a celebrity cast spread across the country requires meticulous planning. Mallik explained that with many actors unable to relocate for a full month, the production relies on teams in Mumbai and other cities to manage scripts and conduct online rehearsals.
The organisers have announced an ambitious climax for Dussehra. They plan to burn a 240-foot-tall effigy of Ravana, which they hope will set a new record. The effigies of Meghnadh and Kumbhkaran will stand at 190 feet each.
More than 60 craftsmen from four states are working tirelessly to construct the giant figures. This planned spectacle, as reported by The Indian Express, aims to draw massive crowds and viewership, cementing the event’s place as a contemporary cultural phenomenon.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
