FIJI, October 10, 2011 (Fiji Times): Ten days of religious prayers and performance of the events in Hindu holy scripture Ramayana, a festivalcalled Ram Lila came, to an end once again with the destruction of the 20-feet statue of the villainous figure Ravana. More than 5000 people gathered every night to witness the drama enacted on Ramayana and the victory of good over evil. This was the 107th year for the Ram Lila to be held at the Bulileka Mandir, in Labasa.
Committee secretary Hari Lal told The Fiji Times this was a tradition not to be broken. “This annual event was first carried out by our ancestors in 1903 and it has been conducted every year since except for in 1987 because of the coup,” Mr Lal said.
The 10-day theatrical depiction of the Ramayan started from the birth of Lord Rama until how he killed the demon king Ravana.
Mr Lal said this was the most looked forward event for the community of Bulileka and for Hindu followers in Labasa. “Weather has been kind to us and this has led to the success of this annual event. The participants in the drama have also done well because they have been observing prayers and restricted from consuming meat for more than three weeks in preparation of this act.”