Source

NEW DELHI, INDIA, August 9, 2004: As many Ramayanas, so many Ramlilas (theatrical presentations of the story of Lord Rama) goes the saying. Recognizing the uniqueness of this theatrical event in which the community negotiates with the most popular religious lore, the government of India is pitching for the inclusion of Ramlila under Unesco’s program of preservation and promotion of intangible cultural heritage. If Ramlila gets selected, this would be third year running that an Indian nomination would get past stiff international competition. A rare honour, it would also mean Unesco funding documentation of vital aspects of Ramlila and help in popularizing its cultural value. Considering the popularity of Ramlila in Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and other South-East Asian countries, the ministry was at one point even thought of making a multi-national entry. However, Kerala’s dance-drama Kudiyattam (listed in 2002) and Vedic chanting (listed in 2003), Ramlila is not facing the risk of disappearance. Why then is the government keen to have it listed? Officials say Ramlila is a rare example of an event which transforms and takes an entire village under its spell for the duration of the play

Post Views: 602