T he Hindu Prachaar Kendra’s Children’s Ramleela, Baal Ramdilla, returned to the Kendra Greens, Raghunanan Road, Enterprise, with three spectacular nights of performances from October 3-5.
The production featured a cast of 60 children, aged five to 16, who spent two months in intensive rehearsals for the event. Participants were trained not only as performers, but also as directors, narrators, and organisers, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of theatre production.
The focus of Baal Ramdilla is value-based learning and community empowerment, using the theatrical arts as a platform to teach civic responsibility, patience, teamwork, respect for diversity, ecological awareness, healthy lifestyles, and enlightened citizenship.
This year’s edition included two special highlights—the singing of all the Ramayan verses for each night’s performance by nine-year-old Shreya Yankatesu; and the creation of a “new age” Ravan effigy, designed and constructed by a group of young volunteers led by Llevan Ramharrack.
Baal Ramdilla director Geeta Vahini expressed her delight at the successful return of the event after a three-year pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It took us three years post-pandemic to restart, and we are just thrilled to once again host our annual open-air theatre on our own Kendra Greens with such a large cast and strong public attendance,” she said.
“It is truly encouraging to see the level of support from young adults who grew up in this project. Many volunteered in various areas and mentored the cast in speciality performances.”
Ramleela—meaning “divine play”—tells the story of Avataar Shri Ram, who faced numerous challenges, including exile from his birthplace, Ayodhya.
After triumphing over the powerful and cruel king Ravana, Shri Ram was welcomed back to Ayodhya, where the citizens lit deyas to celebrate his return.
That homecoming marks the spiritual link between Ramleela and Divali, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
