It seems that growing inflation and budget resizing have started taking its toll on Ramleelas as well. The age-old tradition to showcase the story of truth that used to be one of the most attractive aspects of the Durga Puja at HEC as well is losing its charm due the lack of funds.
Organisers of the Ramleela are blaming the management for compromising on the facilities given to them during the auspicious Navratra. “The committee members want us to perform good Ramleela but they do not provide facilities according to it,” said Ramesh Chandra Jha, Manager, Bijay Bajrang Rmlela Natya Kala Parishad, Janakpur Dham, Bihar, performing Ramleela at HEC for last several years.
“lack of facilities like lodging, fooding etc leads to lack of enthusiasm among the performers which results in low turnout of viewers to watch Ramleela.” he added. Ramleela is being performed at HEC since 1968 and is one of its kind in the entire city. The interest towards Ramleela among the people had decreased with the passage of time, especially in the urban areas like Ranchi. lack of time and different means of entertainment can be seen as the reasons behind it.
“We get more respect and turnouts in rural areas than urban areas as the people there are more interested in watching Ramleela than television” said Deepak Kumar, a member of the Ramleela troop. There was a time when the Ramleela at HEC used to be the main attraction of the city but it has lost its charm among the devotees in the last few years. “When I was young the Ramleela at HEC used to be really good but in the recent past the committee is unable to replicate the glory,” said Dilip Pradhan, a 62 year old retired worker of HEC.
For the last two years Ramleela was not being performed at HEC due the lack of funds. Ramayan was being shown on the screen through projector but this year the people of the city will witness the Ramleela once again. CDP Singh, secretary of the Puja committee at HEC said, “The committee was unable to organize Ramleela for the last two years due to the lack of funds. This year we have increased our budget and are trying to make this Ramleela a successful one.”
On the question regarding the lack of facilities leading to lack of enthusiasm among the performers and less crowd turnover, he replied, “Budget plays an important role regarding the facilities. Involvement of HEC authority has also decreased which once used to take the responsibility of providing lodging for the troop members.” He claimed that the committee is trying to manage whatever is possible within our budget and held busy life style of people responsible for lower turnouts.
“Ram ki katha na purani hui hai na purani hogi” said the manager of the troop with a plesent smile meaning that the show must go on.