Nepalgunj’s Ramleela, a historic cultural event, is now reaching out to the younger generation in an effort to keep the tradition alive. Santosh Kumar Kanodiya, the chairman of the Ramleela Organizing Committee, shared that steps are being taken to increase youth engagement with the iconic performance, traditionally held during the Dashain festival.
“In the past, the younger generation didn’t show much interest in Ramleela. However, recently, their interest and involvement have grown,” Kanodiya stated. “Our consistent efforts have led to increased youth participation in this cultural heritage.”
The committee has plans to promote the history and messages of Ramleela more actively to attract even more young people. In fact, the committee has started incorporating youth into leadership roles by filling vacant positions with younger members, ensuring the long-term preservation of the tradition.
Every year, Ramleela is performed in Nepalgunj’s Ramleela grounds during Dashain. This year, preparations for the 157th edition are already underway, according to Kanodiya. “As in previous years, we are getting ready to hold the Ramleela festival, and we’ve invited performers from Vrindavan, India,” he said.
Despite efforts to train local performers, the festival still imports artists from India, costing the committee millions annually. The chairman acknowledged that while they have attempted to nurture local talent, the attempts have not yet succeeded. However, there are plans to hold training sessions to develop local artists in the future. Each year’s festival costs approximately NPR 1.5 million.
Chairman Kanodiya remarked that sustaining the tradition for over 150 years with community support has been a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. “This amazing art has thrived for over 150 years purely through community efforts. To continue and sustain this historical legacy, producing local artists is a priority, but the support of the local government is essential,” he explained.
The Ramleela festival has been performed annually for over 150 years. However, the 153rd and 154th editions were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally, the festival runs from the first day of Dashain, Ghatasthapana, until Vijaya Dashami, with performances taking place from 8:00 PM to midnight.
Hundreds of residents of Nepalgunj eagerly attend the Ramleela, staying until the end to watch the dramatic depictions of Dhanush Yagya, Ravana’s defeat, Bharat Milap, and Ram’s coronation. The festival has become a defining cultural event for the region, attracting both Nepalese and Indian audiences.
According to Kanodiya, the festival, which was founded by notable figures like Vishwanath Tandon, Badrinath Tandon, Jagdish Prasad Vaishya, and others, has played a significant role in promoting Nepalgunj both within Nepal and in neighboring India.
Local leader Dwarika Prasad Vaishya noted that the Ramleela festival, which started in 1925, was initially held at Tandon Rice Mill and Ramleela grounds. Over time, it has become more popular with audiences from India than with local Nepalis.
As Nepalgunj continues to celebrate its cultural legacy, efforts to involve the next generation are crucial to maintaining the vibrancy of this historical event.
