Surge in number of Ramlilas being performed this year

Prayagraj: The magic of Ramlila seems to be enchanting audiences as the number of Ramlilas to be staged in Sangam city this year has gone up from the previous year. More Ramlila committees have booked artists' costumes, traditional weapons like swords, bows & arrows, and spears, jewellery, and stage decoration materials.
Rajesh Chaurasia, a prominent Ramlila costumes supplier, told TOI, "Till last year,17 prominent Ramlila committees had booked orders, but this year, the strength has gone up to 25.It's the impact of the opening of Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya. People are more interested in watching Ramlila episodes live on stages." Many city-based Ramlila committees are now opting for light and sound shows.
Chaurasia claims, "The committees are ready to shell out extra bucks to stage Ramlila episodes live."
"I used to take orders for costumes and other materials from different Ramlila committees from across the state at least two months prior to the beginning of Ramlilas," said Chaurasia, adding, "This year, the demand for costume and stage material supply has increased manifold, and committees are approaching for good quality materials."
In city areas alone, over two dozen small and big Ramlila committees organise Ramlila shows ahead of Dussehra across the city. The Ramlilas organised by Patharchatti Ramlila committee and Pajawa Ramlila committee are the most famous among audiences.
Apart from costume and other material suppliers, scores of artists involved in stage construction, lighting and decoration, and seating arrangements are also in demand.
This year, the demand for gorgeous, striking, and costlier dresses has gone up as Ramlilas will be organised in a grand way. Also, with the opening of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the craze for holding impressive Ramlilas has gone up among committees in the neighbouring districts, including Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Fatehpur, Bhadohi, and Chitrakoot.
This year, special dhotis with zari and embroidery work for Lord Ram and his brothers are being stitched, and organisers have also arranged special jewellery, crowns, and weapons for the characters.