The artists will travel to Lucknow, Varanasi and Ayodhya for their performances.
Local and foreign theater groups present various acts from the Ramayana at the India-International Ramayana Mela in Delhi's Purana Kila to mark the 'Pran Pratishtai' ceremony of the grand Rama temple in Ayodhya. The four-day festival will conclude on Sunday. It is themed 'Connecting the world through Ramayana' to express the cultural richness and universality of the epic through dramatic performances. Later this month, they will visit Lucknow, Varanasi and Ayodhya for their performances.
Here are some scenes from the Ramayana Mela:
Laos version
Photo: Sondeep Shankar
Photo: Sondeep Shankar
Presented by the Laos-based Royal Ballet Theater Group, 'Phra-Lak Pra-Lam' is a local version of the Ramayana in a verse form similar to Buddhist horoscope stories. It is based on the Ramayana, with many nuances not found in the Thai version of the epic, the Ramakien.
Woman power
Photo: Sondeep Shankar
Photo: Sondeep Shankar
In 'Ram Ki Shakti Pooja', the girls played the roles of Ram and Lakshmana. The drama recreated a fierce battle between Rama and Ravana, before Rama receives Shakti's blessing. Shakti puts him to the test, but Rama wins and gains the power he needs to win the battle with Ravana.
From Malaysia
Photo: Sondeep Shankar
Photo: Sondeep Shankar
The Temple of Fine Arts by the Ramayana Group from Malaysia depicts Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya.
Bharatanatyam style
Photo: Sondeep Shankar
Photo: Sondeep Shankar
Nrityaranjani's Ramayana Troupe led by Guru Kanaka Srinivasan presented their performances in Bharatanatyam style.
Ramayana Sangeet
Photo: Sondeep Shankar
The internationally renowned Roche Boys Vandana Ramayana Troupe, comprising 20 singers from Mauritius, sings verses from the Ramayana.
From Thailand
Photo: Sondeep Shankar
A Thai 'Kon Dance' troupe shows Ravana abducting Sita and Rama meeting Hanuman.