In the small village of Sato Avanti, located in Bihar’s Kaimur district, the spirit of unity shines brightly. Here, people from different religions come together to celebrate Ramleela, a nine-day stage show that tells the story of Lord Ram and his victory over King Ravana. The village has a significant Muslim population, and many of them join in chanting slogans like “Siyavar Ram Chandra Ki Jai” (Hail, Ram, who is chosen by Sita) while enjoying the performances.
Community Effort
The Ramleela stage is set in Sato Avanti, about 190 km from Patna. Many Muslim artists participate in the show, taking on important roles and helping with the organisation. Sheikh Mumtaz Ali, the director, guides the actors from backstage, ensuring everything runs smoothly. His 19-year-old son, Akleem, plays the role of Sita, Lord Rama’s wife. The tradition of Ramleela began in 1982, thanks to the efforts of the then Sarpanch, Jamaluddin Ansari, and Master Nurul Ansari. Villagers believe that the teachings of Ramcharitmanas, a sacred text, bring positive changes to their lives.
Growing Tradition
Over the years, the Ramleela has become a cherished event in the village. Suresh Singh, a supporter of the show, recalls how the villagers came together to make it happen despite the challenges of limited resources. The first performance featured Khurshid Alam as Ram and Jamaluddin Ansari as Kumbhakaran. Today, the show continues to thrive, with many Muslim actors like Tauqeer Ansari as Kumbhakaran and Azad Ansari as Sumitra. Even children from the Muslim community joyfully play the roles of soldiers in the armies of Lord Rama and Ravana.
The Ramleela takes place for two weeks in the month of Ashwin, from 5 pm to 7:30 pm, and ends with the coronation of Lord Rama on Dussehra. Each year, people from both communities contribute to make the event a success, showcasing the true spirit of harmony and cooperation.
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