Noida: From towering multi-layered stages inspired by sacred dhams to LED-lit sets, immersive sound effects and artistes from Rajasthan and other parts of the country, Ramlilas across Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad are blending spectacle with tradition. Unveiled on Sunday, the celebrations will run until Oct 21, drawing lakhs of visitors with mythological performances, food stalls, amusement rides and fireworks.As the festivities build up to Dussehra on Oct 20 and Bharat Milap the next day, organisers have also put security personnel, CCTV cameras and volunteers in place to manage crowds.The Shri Sanatan Dharma Ramlila Committee (SSDRC) will stage its over 40-year-old Ramlila tradition at Noida Stadium in Sector 21A, featuring TV and film artistes from Delhi and Mumbai. The celebrations began on Sunday with Ganesh Puja attended by GB Nagar MP Mahesh Sharma, Noida MLA Pankaj Singh and other dignitaries.This year, the stage features themes inspired by Kedarnath, Badrinath and Jagannath Puri, enhanced with 3D effects and LED lighting. The performances will also be screened on a 15ft-high and 20ft-wide screen.“The Ramlila began in a small pandal near Sanatan Dharma Mandir in Sector 19, with temple volunteers, their families and around 40-50 residents organising the performances. Today, it has grown into a grand production with advanced lighting, LED screens and 3D sound systems,” said TN Chaurasia, SSDRC president.On Oct 20, Dussehra will mark the burning of 80ft Ravana, 75ft Kumbhakarna and 65ft Meghnad effigies, followed by fireworks. The festivities will conclude on Oct 21 with Bharat Milap, cultural programmes and Dandiya.Sector 62’s Shri Ram Mitra Mandal Ramlila (SRMM) is celebrating over 20 years of tradition, with new initiatives to attract younger audiences. The festivities began on Sunday with Ganesh Vandana, followed by episodes including Narad Moh.Around 60 artistes from Moradabad’s Shri Janaki Kala Manch troupe will stage the Ramlila. The programme will also feature classical music and dance, while the episode depicting Sita’s departure will receive greater emphasis, said general secretary Munna Kumar Sharma.In Greater Noida, 800 children opened the Shri Ramlila Committee’s (SRC) celebrations at Site 4 City Park on Sunday with a musical performance celebrating national integration. SRC president Manjit Singh said children from schools and academies across urban and rural areas participate in the annual programme to showcase their talent and promote devotion and patriotism.Around 65 artistes from Saket Kala Manch will stage the Ramlila from Oct 12 to 21, with Ravana’s effigy to be burnt on Oct 20. The accompanying fair will feature food stalls, swings and amusement rides, drawing large crowds.The Shri Dharmik Ramlila Committee (SDRC) in Aichhar, Sector Pi, Greater Noida, is marking its 17th year with a 325ft-long and 80ft-wide multi-level stage, said president Anand Bhati. In Greater Noida West, 70 societies have come together for a Ramlila featuring a replica of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.Meanwhile, Ghaziabad’s Shri Sullamal Ramlila, founded by Lala Sullamal around 1900 in the Delhi Gate-Ghantaghar area, is marking 126 years of tradition. The Adarsh Ramlila Samiti in Kavi Nagar is hosting its 49th annual celebrations, while Raj Nagar Extension is also staging its annual Ramlila.
