Source: www.trinidadexpress.com
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, October 3, 2009: Ramleela, the burning of the evil king Ravana, is a symbolic victory of good over evil. The dramatic enactment of the Hindu sacred text, the Ramayan, is a ten-day annual event that precedes Divali, celebrated this year on October 17.
Secretary of the National Ramleela Council, Indra Pooran, said the community festival has been greatly improved this year. She said training courses were conducted in stage management, acting, directing and dance during a ten-week period.
This year, Ramleela committees received funding of up to $15,000 each from Government. In addition to Government funding, the groups secured sponsorships and raised funds for the festival that runs into a total cost of over $100,000.