Ramlila at Chembur

Navaratri is the celebration of victory over evil. Whether it is the Devi slaying Mahishasura or Rama slaying Ravana, the theme remains the same, though the players might change. It is interesting to note that in the southern, eastern, and western parts of the country, it is the Devi who is revered, while it is mostly in the north that Ram takes centre stage. No matter what the gender bias, stories are always fun, which is why I dragged a reluctant Samhith from his Percy Jackson book, to see a real hero in action... or at least, a hero on stage - at our local Ramlila.

My memories of Ramlila date back to more than three decades, and, naturally, are rather hazy. Our local Ramlila can be said to be mediocre at best, and we have always lacked the patience to sit through the hamming till the local politicians turn up (usually hours late) and give the go ahead for the burning of Ravana. This year, however, I was determined, and having decided a time which I believed was soon enough without being too early, we set off, and, miraculously, found a chair to sit on too! 

That's the main cast on the main part of the set, with a backdrop which doubles up as both, Ayodhya as well as Lanka

The rendering of the epic might have been uninspiring, but the final fireworks were certainly worth the wait!!! Let me take you through our experience, in pictures....

Ravana, all set, to be burnt... and the crowd enjoying the Ramlila

Rama and Hanuman, among others, enjoying the play of words between two other characters

Rama and Lakshmana looking on as Ahi Ravan ponders over what to do with them

A bit of fun, which everyone enjoys immensely! That's Ahi Ravan lifting Lakshmana

Does he need an introduction?
There is just one ten headed character in all of our epics... Ravana

That's part of the crew which makes it possible - the music team, and the buffoon on the right, who lightens up the mood and drags on the play while waiting for our inevitably late politicians!

And that's the crowd.... Can you imagine turning up just in time for the burning, and finding a place to sit? On a chair? Yep! Thats how lucky we were!!

And here is another view of the music troupe

Rama challenging Ravana for the final battle. At last, the end is in sight!!

And the arrow is lit!!

The target is all set. with a rope running from the stage to the effigy

The arrow on its way...

unerringly towards its target!

Ravana is hit!!
Though it is no surprise, you would think it was, from the cheer that goes up!!

I must admit, it is exciting to see Ravana burn!!!

And as he burns, Samhith, all excited now, climbs up on the chair and directs what pics I am to take. These are all on his instructions, for I can barely see above the crowd which is now standing high above me!

It is amazing to see how quickly Ravana burns! And with so little danger to the crowd!

It is a fascinating sight!!

As the fire overcomes Ravana

literally eating him up!

The skeleton is now visible, and Samhith's excitement is palpable!!

What a sight this is!

Even as organisers shout to the crowd, to keep safe distance,
the cheering is what we can hear, not the announcement!

Within minutes, its all over!!

This is all that's left!

Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman, sit forlonly on the throne, awaiting the coronation scene. The announcers are busy announcing - that the Ramlila is not over. Ram has yet to be crowned king. But the crowd is too busy gawking at Ravana (and honestly, so are we! ) 

The firecrackers only add to the excitement. And I am so proud of myself for this shot!!! First time I have managed it!!

And one last one, before we set out, hoping to find an auto to take us back home!!

That was a wonderful experience, and one I hope will excite Samhith enough to want to go see another one!!! And that is how Navaratri ended for us, with a spectacular fireworks celebration for Dusshera! Now to wait another year for this time to come again!!!