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Hi-Tech Ramlila of Lucknow – Aishbagh Ramlila

Volume: 18, No: 11 ; November-2024

The life of Rama, the protagonist of the Ramayana, is reenacted in a number of theatrical plays and dance acts called Ramlila. The Ramacharitmanas, a well-known tale genre composed by Tulsidas in the 16th century, serve as the basis for the performances. During the ten to thirty days of Navratri, Ramlila is performed, and the festivities come to a close on the evening of Vijayadashami (Dussehra).

Ramlila performances typically consist of discussion, song, storytelling, and recital. While audience participation in the narration and singing is welcomed, many Ramlilas have evolved into contemporary shows supported by special effects and technology as times have changed. ‘Aishbagh Ramlila’ is the oldest Ramlila in Lucknow.

It is thought to have started nearly 500 years ago (or so the organizers say), and Nawab Asif-ud-Daula later donated land for its continuous performance after moving his capital from Faizabad (Ayodhya) to Lucknow in 1775.

A combination of Kamban Ramayan, Valmiki Ramayan, and Ramcharitmanas is frequently performed in Lucknow. The script is supported by technological breakthroughs. The show started on a stage in 2007; before that, it was performed on the ground with a few props at eye level with the audience. The show’s portrayal and atmosphere have completely changed, and it is now supported by animation and images displayed on an LED screen.

Back then, they employed certain props, such as a throne for Lord Ram, but after 2007, they devised a temporary setup. As part of the play, simple lighting and recorded dialogue were employed. scenes like Lord Hanuman delivering “Sanjivni Booti,” who was seen carrying medications for Laxman on a trolley that was fastened to a rope,

The progress is so great that several sequences, such as the one in which Lord Hanuman is seen soaring with the mountain or Ravana on his Pushpak Viman (plane) during the capture of Sita, have been animated.

In contrast to other Ramlilals in India who are adhering to their traditions, Aishbagh Ramlila of Lucknow is not afraid to use artificial intelligence, which is sweeping the globe. In fact, Ramnagar Ramlila of Varanasi is the most traditionally performed play without the use of speakers, microphones, or contemporary lighting.

The characters are moved from one place to another in a human chariot pulled by devotees, while the organizers are seen traveling with candles and torches. Niyamis, the person who frequently visits the Leela, has a very unique personality. A Ram Charit Manas, a seating arrangement, and a light source are all carried by Niyamis. Together with the Leela, they continue to read the Manas. Niyamis take Itra with them and use it to extort other people.

It is admirable that the ancient Ramlila tradition endures in the era of contemporary entertainment and storytelling via social media, OTT, and other platforms because of the devoted audience who attend the performances year after year. Although the ancient Ramlila tradition in Ramnagar (Varanasi) has been added to UNNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, Aishbagh Ramlila may have become more contemporary. However, by giving it a contemporary look, it has inspired young people and children of the modern era to connect with it and continue the Ramlila tradition.

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Hi-Tech Ramlila of Lucknow – Aishbagh Ramlila

The life of Rama, the protagonist of the Ramayana, is reenacted in a number of theatrical plays and dance acts called Ramlila. The Ramacharitmanas, a well-known tale genre composed by Tulsidas in the 16th century, serve as the basis for the performances. During the ten to thirty days of Navratri, Ramlila is performed, and the festivities come to a close on the evening of Vijayadashami (Dussehra).

Ramlila performances typically consist of discussion, song, storytelling, and recital. While audience participation in the narration and singing is welcomed, many Ramlilas have evolved into contemporary shows supported by special effects and technology as times have changed. ‘Aishbagh Ramlila’ is the oldest Ramlila in Lucknow.

It is thought to have started nearly 500 years ago (or so the organizers say), and Nawab Asif-ud-Daula later donated land for its continuous performance after moving his capital from Faizabad (Ayodhya) to Lucknow in 1775.

A combination of Kamban Ramayan, Valmiki Ramayan, and Ramcharitmanas is frequently performed in Lucknow. The script is supported by technological breakthroughs. The show started on a stage in 2007; before that, it was performed on the ground with a few props at eye level with the audience. The show’s portrayal and atmosphere have completely changed, and it is now supported by animation and images displayed on an LED screen.

Back then, they employed certain props, such as a throne for Lord Ram, but after 2007, they devised a temporary setup. As part of the play, simple lighting and recorded dialogue were employed. scenes like Lord Hanuman delivering “Sanjivni Booti,” who was seen carrying medications for Laxman on a trolley that was fastened to a rope,

The progress is so great that several sequences, such as the one in which Lord Hanuman is seen soaring with the mountain or Ravana on his Pushpak Viman (plane) during the capture of Sita, have been animated.

In contrast to other Ramlilals in India who are adhering to their traditions, Aishbagh Ramlila of Lucknow is not afraid to use artificial intelligence, which is sweeping the globe. In fact, Ramnagar Ramlila of Varanasi is the most traditionally performed play without the use of speakers, microphones, or contemporary lighting.

The characters are moved from one place to another in a human chariot pulled by devotees, while the organizers are seen traveling with candles and torches. Niyamis, the person who frequently visits the Leela, has a very unique personality. A Ram Charit Manas, a seating arrangement, and a light source are all carried by Niyamis. Together with the Leela, they continue to read the Manas. Niyamis take Itra with them and use it to extort other people.

It is admirable that the ancient Ramlila tradition endures in the era of contemporary entertainment and storytelling via social media, OTT, and other platforms because of the devoted audience who attend the performances year after year. Although the ancient Ramlila tradition in Ramnagar (Varanasi) has been added to UNNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, Aishbagh Ramlila may have become more contemporary. However, by giving it a contemporary look, it has inspired young people and children of the modern era to connect with it and continue the Ramlila tradition.