PRAYAGRAJ; On Thursday, the Shri Patharchatti Ramleela Committee staged a spectacular enactment of Sita’s farewell after her marriage to Ram and the announcement of Ram’s coronation, captivating audiences with the rich cultural heritage and traditional performances of the city.
As part of the city’s historic Ramleela tradition, early Thursday morning saw grand processions and elaborately decorated tableaux from Pajawa (left) and Patharchatti (right) Ramleela Committees, marking the continuity of age-old customs.
Key Scenes Across Committees
- Patharchatti: Kaikeyi-Dashrath dialogue, Ram’s exile, and public outrage
- Pajawa: Bharat Milap and Surpanakha’s nose-cutting scene
- Katra: Nishadraj’s meeting with Ram, Dashrath’s departure to heaven, Kaikeyi-Bharat dialogue
- Baghmbari: Nishadraj’s reunion, Kevat episode, and Dashrath’s death
- Civil Lines: Sita’s Swayamvar, Dhanush Yagna, and Lakshman-Parshuram dialogue
- Daraganj: Marich killing and Ram-Sugriv friendship
Pajawa: Tears Flow During Ram’s Exile
The Pajawa Ramleela Committee presented Ram’s exile, his meeting with Nishadraj, and Dashrath’s passing. The depiction of Ram’s departure to the forest moved the audience deeply.
As the crowd sang, “Mat jao, mat jao, hey Ram, Ayodhya chhod ke tum mat jao”, many spectators were seen shedding tears, overwhelmed by the emotions of the moment.
Katra: Following Mother’s Command
In Katra Ramleela, scenes included Kaikeyi’s boon, Ram seeking permission from Queen Kaushalya, and Ram’s departure to the forest. The depiction of Kaikeyi demanding her boon from Dashrath left the audience deeply saddened.
Ram, along with Lakshman and Sita, was shown leaving for the forest in obedience to his parents’ command, a key highlight of the enactment.
Sita’s Farewell in King Janak’s Court
In King Janak’s court, following the marriage, the moment of Sita’s farewell arrived. Janak requested King Dashrath to treat Sita, Urmila, Mandavi, and Shrutakirti with utmost respect as his daughters-in-law.
Dashrath responded that they were like goddesses and that Ayodhya was fortunate to have them.
Queen Sunayana, saddened by the occasion, expressed her grief, saying it felt as though everything was being taken away, even as she blessed the daughters.
She advised Sita: “Remember always, daughter, for a woman, there is no greater deity than her husband. According to scriptures, worship through devotion to the husband is paramount. Treat your in-laws as your own home.”
The departure ceremony featured the heartfelt song:
“Jab doli mein baithkar betiya jaaye videsh, patthar se patthar hile, sah na sake ye khel, rajkumari ki aaj vidai, praanani pyari ki aaj vidai.”
Accompanied by tearful farewells, the four princesses were sent off in decorated dollies by King Janak and Queen Sunayana.
Ram and Sita: Husband and Wife
In the next scene, Sita, seated in the palace, touched Ram’s feet and said, “From today, I am your servant.” Ram replied, “Who said this?” Sita answered, “Mother said so.” Ram then declared, “From today, you are my wife and companion.”
Baghmbari: Dashrath’s Lament Moves the Audience
At the Baghmbari Ramleela, the portrayal of King Dashrath’s helpless lament and Kaikeyi’s insistence left the audience emotionally touched. Ram’s calm acceptance of his exile, Sita’s dedication to her husband, and Lakshman’s insistence on accompanying his brother were particularly moving.
Daraganj: Iconic Scenes of Valor
In Daraganj Ramleela, the dramatic enactment of Surpanakha’s nose-cutting and the slaying of the demon Khardushan took center stage.
Under the guidance of director Pandit Siyaram Shastri, Lord Ram’s triumph over evil was presented in traditional style, enthralling the spectators.
Civil Lines: From Ram’s Birth to Ahilya Upliftment
The Civil Lines Ramleela showcased Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Ram, from his birth to the rescue of Ahilya. The divine child Ram in Kaushalya’s lap captivated the audience, who erupted in chants of “Jai Siya Ram”.
Naini: Celebrating Marriages and Coronation
At the Public Ramleela Committee Trust, the third day of festivities witnessed joyous celebrations of the marriages of Ram-Sita, Lakshman-Urmila, Bharat-Mandavi, and Shatrughna-Shrutakirti. King Dashrath announced the coronation of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram, filling Ayodhya with happiness and festivity.
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