Puppetry replaces Ramlila in Varanasi this year

<p class="p1">The onset of festive season in India has confused both the people and authorities regarding the modes of celebration. It is certain, however, celebration as usual is not possible in the time of the corona pandemic.</p>
<p class="p1">Last month, the public celebrations of the Muharram procession and Ganesh Chaturthi were barred by the local officials. Ahead of Ramlila and Durga Puja, the authorities across the country are planning to curtail large gatherings.</p>
<p class="p1">The world-famous Ramlila in Varanasi, the oldest Ramlila committee of the country, too has announced that Ramlila will be enacted by puppets this year. Ramnagar Ramlila had started in the early 1800s during the reign of the then Kashi Naresh, Maharaja Udit Narayan Singh.</p>
<p class="p1">Every year, it starts on Anant Chaturdashi and continues for the next 31 days. It will be broadcast on social media every day from September 30 to October 30.</p>
<p class="p1">These wooden masks are also on sale and those who want can enact Ramlila within their family too, said one of the organizers. Apart from this, Bharat Milap of Nakataiya and Nati Tamarind in Chetganj are included in the Lakkha Fair in Kashi. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) has recognized the event as an intangible world cultural heritage.</p>
<p class="p1">Millions of tourists used to come to Varanasi to watch these events every year, but this time the coronavirus has eclipsed the event. Almost all events have been canceled.</p>
(with agency inputs).