Prayagraj: The 12-day grand Ramlila by Shri Katra Ramlila Committee will bring a new twist to the traditional show by weaving live folk and martial arts into the story itself. Instead of presenting folk dance and martial arts as separate acts, they have been made part of the Ramkatha to make the scenes of armies, celebrations and gatherings look more lively, energetic and real. The aim is to let people experience the country’s rich folk traditions through a large-scale Ramlila. An artists’ group from Sagar, MP, will perform on the Ramlila stage.Ramlila director Atul Yadvanshi said a major highlight this year will be an Akhada group from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, brought in to lend a real presence to the armies of Ram and Ravan. He said the group carries forward the legacy of late Padma Shri awardee Bhagwan Das Raikwar, a renowned exponent of the traditional martial art. It is now led by his son, eminent folk expert Rajkumar Raikwar.The Akhada group has been sponsored by the North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC) for its participation in the Ramlila.The production will also feature Chhau, a traditional dance form, performed by a group from Ranchi, Jharkhand. Chhau blends theatre, dance and martial movements, and its strong body language, stylised steps, group formations and powerful expressions make it ideal for bringing the larger-than-life world of the Ramayana to stage.The Chhau group is being sponsored by the Department of Culture and is expected to join the Ramlila team shortly.Alongside martial traditions, the production has also incorporated the vibrant folk tradition of Badhai from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.Unlike Akhada and Chhau, which are primarily being utilised for physical and martial dimensions of the narrative, Badhai will appear during important moments of celebration and public joy in the Ramkatha.The Badhai group has also been sponsored by NCZCC for the production. Yadvanshi, meanwhile, said the approach is to use all forms according to the dramatic requirement of the katha.The Akhada brings strength and martial discipline to depict the armies, Chhau adds stylised movement and visual spectacle, while Badhai brings in the spirit of celebration and community participation.The production combines traditional storytelling, original theatre writing, live acting, specially designed costumes and properties, multimedia visuals, music, lighting, folk dance and martial traditions to create an immersive theatrical environment. Similarly, the celebrations of Ayodhya will not remain confined to dialogue and narration. They will be expressed through the collective energy of a living folk tradition.
