Ramlila
Ramlila ( Hindi : रामलीला, rāmalīlā) is a multi-day theatrical performance of the epic Ramayana in northern India . The scenic representation uses the means of narration, song, recitation and dialogue. The audience is actively involved in the performances.
During the Hindu festival Dasahra , annually in October or November, performances take place for an average of 10 to 12 days, sometimes longer. The most representative of these are in Ayodhya , Ramnagar , Varanasi , Vrindavan , Almora , Sattna and Madhubani . The performance reaches its climax with Diwali , the festival of the victory of good over evil.
The Ramlila performances are based on the Ramacharitmanas , Ramayana texts compiled in popular language by Tulsidas in the 16th century. At the center of the story is the battle between Rama and Ravana .
Ramlila was inscribed on the UNESCO list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005 and has been on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2008 .