Punjab: 'Mahila Dwara Ramleela', all-women play organised in Zirakpur

Zirakpur (Punjab) [India], October 7 : A Ramleela wth an all women cast, 'Mahila Dwara Ramleela', was organised in Zirakpur on Sunday.
Pratibha Singh who played the role of Lord Ram said, "All the characters in this Ramleela have been performed by women. The youngest girl who took part is a 6-month old child and the senior most artist in the play is 82 years old. Most of the people are coming to watch as it is unprecedented and they are surprised that how women can perform Ramleela. Our system is very strong. First aarti is performed then only start our proceedings. We keep special care in the backstage and do not enter wearing shoes. We do not carry any food items in the stage."
She further said that for the make-up of Lord Ram takes 40 minutes and rehearsals began a month ago. "I am doing this since last three years so it is easy for me. I try to reassure my co-actors. In the first year I faced lot of difficulty as i had to essay the character of Lord Ram who is is bit reserved whereas I am not at all and get immediately into the role."
Lalit Mohan who started this Ramleela said that he has been doing it since 1975.
"I have been arranging the make-up here since last three years. To do the make up of one artiste it takes nearly 45 minutes. The make-up for characters of Raavan, Janak and Dasharath takes the longest duration of time. There are 50 artistes this year. The last scene ends at 10.30 pm," he said.
Another make-up artist Sanjay Verma said that it is challenging as they have to give extra effort to make the woman look like a man.
The festival season in India has kicked off with celebrations like Navratri, Ramleela, Garba, and Dandiya expected to generate business of over Rs 50,000 crore nationwide, according to an estimate by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).
More than 1 lakh events, including religious, cultural, social, and spiritual programs, will be organised nationwide, providing employment to millions.
With major celebrations like Navratri, Ramleela, Garba, and Dandiya, the festival season will continue with Vijayadashami, Durga Visarjan, Diwali, Chhath Puja, and other major festivities.
Delhi will host over 1,000 Ramleelas and hundreds of Durga Puja pandals, while Garba and Dandiya, traditionally celebrated in Gujarat, will see widespread participation across the country, including in the capital city.