Ramleela is a traditional Hindu show or ‘Leela’ that takes place in Trinidad every year a few weeks before Diwali.
The sketch shows the re-enactment of the Hindu epic and dramatic text – The Ramayan, which tells the story of good over evil, truth over falsehood and light over darkness.
It also tells the story of the Hindu God, Prince Rama, who is exiled from his Kingdom of Ayodhya and whose wife Sita is kidnapped by the ten-headed demon King of Lanka Ravan.
Photo courtesy of PRO Dinesh Ramoutar of FFRCG
With the help of his brother Lakshman and his devotee Hanuman and his army of monkeys, Rama surrounds Ravana’s kingdom; after a tremendous battle, the evil king is destroyed and the beautiful Sita is saved.
Ramleela takes place over a sequence of ten nights, each beginning with a pooja, or prayer session before the drama unfolds. During the reenactment, the narrator or Pundit reads (also with sound effects) the story while the actors improvise their dialogue with grandeur and showmanship.
The grand finale is the defeat of Ravan, burnt in effigy to the accompaniment of music, dance and tassa song.
Ravan burn-Photo courtesy of PRO Dinesh Ramoutar of FFRCG
Many communities across the country, including Felicity, Pierre Road, Palmiste Park, Mc Bean and Cedar Hill in Princes Town, are known for their portrayals, props and powerful stories watched by hundreds, if not thousands, every night .
Usually staged in an open field or savannah, spectators enjoy live performances, tassas and Indian food which is usually on sale.
Children also participate
Cycle news visited the grounds of the first Felicity Ramleela and Cultural at Green Park on the last night of the Leela and spoke to the group’s communications officer Kishan Beharry who said despite a two-year delay in the celebrations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramleela 2022, it was nothing short of magic.
“It was 10 magical nights, filled with songs, dances and tassa. Despite the challenges we faced, including the weather, we managed to complete Leela. It was not an easy task, but we completed it.”
FFRCG members come together to build an effigy of Ravan
Noting that this feat would not have been successful without the players, sponsors and team members, including PRO Dinesh Ramoutar, Beharry promised an even more spectacular show for 2023.
“Look out for an even bigger and better Ramleela celebration in 2023. Our President, Sundar Jookoo has assured us that the 2023 edition will be nothing like this year’s and we will we make sure we have the best and we promise to keep it that way. .
