The city beautiful is buzzing with festive energy as the grand tradition of Ramlila returns on a larger scale this year, bringing together over 4,500 artists performing across 76 different venues. From Sector 17 to neighbourhood grounds in Sectors 20, 27, 28, 30, 45 and 46, the mythological drama is captivating audiences with a mix of devotion, theatre and community spirit.
The administration has played a key role in giving this year’s festivities a smooth start. A single-window clearance system introduced by Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav has significantly cut down the time needed to grant permissions, enabling new committees to join the cultural celebrations.
Several organizers noted that they were able to set up within just a week, a process that earlier used to take much longer.
What makes Chandigarh’s Ramlila unique is the blend of tradition and innovation this year. While the age-old storytelling style remains intact, organizers are experimenting with grander sets and technology. In Sector 20, a fibre-sheet waterfall has been constructed to depict scenes such as Panchavati and Hanuman’s forest journey. At Parade Ground in Sector 17, where Ramlila has been staged since 1953, three new stages are being erected this year, with LED screens and upgraded sound systems creating a more immersive experience.
The performers themselves embody the spirit of continuity and devotion. For some families, Ramlila is not just theatre but a legacy. Generations have taken turns enacting roles, with sons now playing the parts once performed by their fathers. In one striking example, two brothers are performing as Lord Rama and Ravana, symbolizing how the story of good versus evil continues to resonate across personal and cultural lines.
Organizers are also enriching the narrative by adding fresh sequences this season. Audiences can expect to see depictions of Ram Setu, Shaddarth, and Kaikai’s inner turmoil alongside the more familiar episodes of exile and battle. These additions aim to deepen the engagement of viewers and keep the age-old performance relevant to younger audiences.
As the nights unfold with chants, dialogues and applause, the countdown is on for Dussehra, October 2, when the burning of effigies will mark the symbolic victory of good over evil. Until then, the city itself has become a vast stage where art, faith and community converge in celebration of the epic Ramayana.