NDLI: Ram Lila Mask

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Ram Lila Mask

Content Provider	IGNCA - Man and Mask
Description	Ramlila is performed practically throughout North India during a fortnight or so preceding the Dussehra festival. Rama's life is dramatised, with episodes from the epic presented sequentially over several nights. The huge effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are burnt on the Dussehra day (or Vijayadasmi) and the festival ends two days later with the enactment of the coronation of Rama in Ayodhya. One of the most spectacular performances of Ramlila is held in Ramnagar, on the outskirts of Varanasi. Patronised by the Maharaja of Varanasi, it is believed that about 150 years back his ancestor was ordered in a dream to convert the city into the sites of Ramayana during Dushehra. Beginning with the birth of Rama as an avatar, events of his life are presented each day in a different locale of the town. The entire city is the stage and the audience moves with the enactment of the story from one locale to another.The Ramalila of Varanasi follows the Ramacharitamanas of Tulsidas and the verses are declaimed, recited or sung by the narrator-singer supported by a chorus. The musical accompaniment is provided by the pakhawaj or tabla, nagara, cymbals, jhanjh, sehnai and turhi. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are played by young boys under the age of 14. These main actors are consecrated at the beginning of the festival and are expected to observe austerities before and during the period of performance. None of these characters wear masks; but Hanuman, Ravana, Vibhishana and Kumbhakarna do. Some masks are made of cloth and zari, but Hanuman has a brass metal mask. The mask of Hanuman is especially revered as it is believed that the actor wearing the Hanuman mask acquires superhuman powers.
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	Ancient Human Practice Anthropology Anthropomorphic Art Work Art History Ayodhya Ceremonies and Practices Decorative Mask Disguise Drama Theraphy Dushehra Hanuman Kumbhakarna Lakshman Museum Object North India Ornamentation Performance Performing Art Ramlila Ramnagar Ravana Ritual Mask Sculpture Sita Varanasi Vibhishana
Content Type	Image Text
Resource Type	Visual Artwork

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