PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Bageshwar
The 135-year-old Ramleela of Bageshwar is witnessing girls perform lead roles for the first time, marking a major shift in the tradition that has been staged at the Numaishkhet ground since the British era.
Known for its presentation in the traditional Kumaoni singing style, the Ramleela has long been a central part of the region’s cultural life. Committee members believe that the performances began around 1890, although there is no written record. They claimed that the organised shows have been staged since 1948, following a gap between 1927 and 1948 when the Ramleela could not be held. It was revived in 1949 at Chowk Bazaar and moved to the Numaishkhet ground the following year, where it has continued uninterrupted, as per their claims.
This year, girls are stepping beyond chorus singing to take up key roles. Anjali Dafouti is playing Lord Ram, Diya Bhandari is portraying Sita, Geetanjali Sah is appearing as Lakshman, Angel is taking the role of Bharat and Manvi is performing as Shatrughan. Girls are also participating in supporting roles and group acts. Rehearsals are being conducted at the Ramleela Bhavan, where daytime sessions have replaced the usual night practices to support the new performers.
Director Deep Sah is guiding the debut actors in dialogue delivery and stagecraft. The change has drawn wide attention in Bageshwar, with residents describing it as an important step for women’s participation in local traditions. Organisers said that the move challenges long-held views that only boys can perform such roles and believe it will encourage more girls to take part in cultural events in future.
