An Intangible ‘Cultural Heritage’

Sunny Dua

Today when people are experiencing 4th Generation (4G) internet facilities that enable users to download movies and songs at lightning speeds besides mass media including television soap operas and FM Channels which are developing and overtaking other modes of communication; it is believed that certain Indian traditions will witness a drastic reduction in its audience. However when it comes to ‘Ramleela’ that is known for bringing people and communities together is continuing to emerge still stronger, rather popular, amongst masses.
So much so that Ramlila, the dramatic representation of the Ramayana has found a place in the list of the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ of UNESCO (United Nation’s Scientific Educational and Cultural Organisation). Still strange is that Ramlila is not disappearing, losing its charm or going on oblivion like other traditional or cultural ceremonies but still UNESCO chose to incorporate this in its list.
Keeping this tradition alive since ages and like many other countries in South-East Asia, Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj, Jammu too is relentlessly performing Lord Rama’s saga in Dewan Mandir complex to the best satisfaction of audiences drawn from all walks of life. Viewing this performing art is a delicacy rather religious obligation of several people who extend their best possible hand to make this a grand success.
The complex where this Ramlila is performed also houses a traditional Akhara, a marvellously built temple, an under construction auditorium, a park and a parking space besides a shop line that has been carved out of this complex only. Though the traditional ‘Deodi’ (Huge Entrance) of Dewan Mandir has collapsed yet efforts are being made to preserve and protect the remaining iconic strictures built within the complex.
Many even recall and associate this Ramlila with weather. They say that about three decades ago winter used to completely dawn in Jammu during this festival season wherein people could be seen carrying blankets to Dewan Mandir for protecting themselves from cold while watching Ramlila. The days are warmer now which depict global warming.
A visit to the place could leave one spellbound to see how the event transforms and takes entire locality, irrespective of caste, creed, region or religion, under its spell for almost ten days. Despite theatres playing movies in the vicinity, hotels and restaurants offering delicacies or video game parlours offering fascinating games the scintillating performances of artists associated with Dewan Mandir Ramlila over decades attracts huge crowds.
It is believed that Dewan Mandir is witnessing this performance for the past over 130 years. The Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj (SDNS), Dewan Mandir, Jammu under the chairmanship of Yudhvir Sethi and Presidentship Anil Masoom are continuing to carry forward the legacy and give people of Jammu their ‘intangible cultural heritage’ in purest form while making sure that something or the other is added to the infrastructure every year.
It is this stage of Dewan Mandir Ramlila which has witnessed performance of many world renowned artists and backstage members like Om Parkash, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, K.L Saigal, Bramh Dev Khajuria, Bal Krishan, Ravi, Bhushan, Luxman Puri, Tapeshwar, Neelam Sambyal, Sonia Kaur and Rubi besides hundreds of other well established artists, said Yudhvir Sethi. Now, Mr Satpal, general secretary of SDNS directs the entire show and is being treated as backbone of the Sabha.
Evolved over the years this Ramlila doesn’t depend upon all male actors only but several female actors too perform here. Be it Sita, Kakeyi, Tarka, Sabri, mother of Lord Ram, Shravan or even friends of Sita women perform at stage during entire Navratras – treated as most auspicious nine days before burning the effigy of Ravana and Lanka at Parade Ground.
Still interesting is that not only Hindus but Muslims too perform in this Ramlila and people drawn from other religions extend their back stage support to make sure that this Ramlila stay one of the best performing arts in Jammu and Kashmir State. Despite poor infrastructure, hostilities, lack of resources and allied issues the spirit of management committee and artists never dampens which could be depicted from the fact how Ramlila – dramatic folk re-enactment of the life of Rama and a tradition of Indian subcontinent is performed or played uncompromisingly.
Ramlila of Dewan Mandir is so famous that it’s all episodes including Devtaas arrival at the scene, story of Ved Vati, attempt by Ravana to lift Kailash Parvat, Bharat Milap, Sita Haran and Ashok Vatika attract huge crowds. Then the SDNS has a tradition of holding special shows that attract who’s who of the city besides for sustenance the Sabha charges a nominal fee from people which also keeps discipline in the premises.
The moment story begins to develop artists make people know how and why Rama – the 7th incarnation of Vishnu and central figure of the Ramayana is called the Maryada Purushottam. Written by Gosvami Tulsidas this 16th century Avadhi version of Ramayana, Ramcharitmanas, were earlier performed in open-air but with passage of time people have started constructing halls or arranging for large Pandals or like Dewan Mandir Complex.
The Chairman of the SDNS Sabha Mr Sethi adds that Ramlila – a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity at Dewan Mandir is made live by including music, art, colourful attires, arranging stages and even using audio-visual affects to make audience experience the inspirational saga, which is essentially the victory of good over evil. While Ramlilas of Ayodhya, Ramnagar, Delhi, Varanasi, Vrindavan, Almora, Satna and Madhubani are acclaimed world over but the one performed at Dewan Mandir too attracts crowds and is continuing for the past over 130 years.
Like any other practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills as well as instruments, objects, artifacts and cultural spaces associated therewith, which communities, groups and, in some cases individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage, this Ramlila too is being preserved by the SDN Samaj in Jammu since ages. The compound of Dewan Mandir comes alive in the evening at about 9:30 PM and ends almost after midnight leaving audiences mesmerized.
The intangible cultural heritage that includes oral traditions and expressions including language, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, and traditional craftsmanship is very well being depicted in Dewan Mandir Ramlila which is worth a watch. The performance of many artists who are working since decades is so perfect that they go of the cuff to leave audiences captivated.
Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj (SDNS), Dewan Mandir has a huge collection of Masks, costumes, make-up items, effigies, lights, sound and handing ropes and allied articles to present a make it believe kind of show. The place of such a significance that elected representatives irrespective of their faith, religion or party have liberally contributed to make this a state of the art stage for performing Ramlila.
Now another project worth Rupees 1.66 crore wherein modern day light and sound system, air conditioner plant, chairs, underground wiring, new dressing rooms, office, bathrooms and halls have been proposed is under active consideration which once executed will add to the infrastructure. The Samaj is open to donations from individuals and organisations besides corporate houses only to make this complex an iconic structure in Jammu.

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