The tricity witnessed a cultural milestone as an all-women Ramlila was staged indoors for the first time at the Indradhanush Auditorium, Sector 5. The production, organized by NGO Jadon se Judoo in collaboration with the Reeshan Foundation, has brought a fresh wave of excitement and pride to the region.
Over 80 Women Bring Ramayana to Life
Since September 23, the grand auditorium—built to seat nearly 1,500 people—has echoed with chants of “Jai Shri Ram.” More than 80 women performers, ranging from homemakers and professionals to students, have taken on iconic roles from the Ramayana.
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Abha Shukla as Ram
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Pallavi as Lakshman
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Janvi Nagpal as Hanuman
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Ruchita Garg as Ravan
The oldest participant, Pushpa (83), portrays Rajmata, while the youngest, a six-month-old infant, plays the newborn Lord Ram.
Vision Behind the Indoor Production
The idea to bring Ramlila indoors came from director Shyam Jaitley, a veteran of stage productions since 1976. He explained, “In open-air shows, audiences come and go. In a theatre, people stay, focus better, and truly experience the story.”
NGO founder Ekta Nagpal added, “Moving to an auditorium gives women performers dignity and respect while keeping cultural traditions alive.”
Blending Tradition with Modern Theatre
Unlike outdoor mela-style Ramlilas, this production uses:
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Seven digital screens
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A large backdrop and surround sound
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Synchronised lip-sync with male voice-overs
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Elaborate entries and exits on a bigger stage
Actors trained for two months, mastering body language to convincingly portray male characters. Director Jaitley noted, “For years, men played female roles. Now, women are showing they can also be warriors on stage.”
Audience Response and Growing Popularity
The show started with a modest turnout on opening night, but crowds grew daily. By the third evening, the auditorium was full.
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Dhruv, a regular visitor from Zirakpur, said: “I’ve been watching this women’s Ramlila since 2023. Now, I come every day.”
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Roshni, a spectator, shared: “I was so inspired by the performance that I now want to join the group myself.”
Families also appreciated the indoor setting. Rohit, a Panchkula resident, said: “The environment felt safe for children, the discipline was better, and the performances were truly inspiring.”
Cultural Impact and Future Inspiration
Organizers revealed that several traditional Ramlila committees have praised the initiative, with some planning to shift to theatre-style performances next year.
The success of this all-women Ramlila in Panchkula not only celebrates Indian culture but also sets an example of women empowerment, discipline in performance, and modern theatre innovation.
