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the festivities—a non-negotiable custom. The Ram Leela – A Theatrical Tradition
Homes bustled with activity as mothers
and grandmothers prepared sweets and
namkeens (savouries). A North Indian
household, for example, would fill its
kitchen with the rich aromas of gujiyas,
shakkarpare, besan ke ladoo and mathris.
These homemade delights weren’t just for
family consumption—they were lovingly
packed into dabbaas to be exchanged with
friends, neighbours, and extended family. Before Diwali came Dussehra, and with it,
the Ram Leela, where groups of men would
get together and enact the story of the
Ramayana. This community performance
of the Ramayana through bhajans was an
annual highlight. Every neighbourhood
(mohalla) staged its own version, with local
enthusiasts playing the roles of Rama, Sita,
Hanuman, and even Ravana. The stage,
costumes, and props were often funded
by wealthy patrons of the community,
and while the performances themselves
At the same time, the family Panditji were captivating, the stories that emerged
(priest) would visit to finalise the offstage were equally entertaining—actors
auspicious timing for the Lakshmi getting into scuffles, forgetting their lines,
Puja. His arrival marked the spiritual or occasionally drinking a little too much
preparations, which would later culminate before showtime.
in the grand prayer ceremony on Diwali The Ram Leela wasn’t just an enactment
evening. of a sacred text; it was a cultural
One of the most delightful pre-Diwali phenomenon. Watching Rama’s eventual
rituals was visiting relatives to pay triumph over Ravana and the symbolic
respects (pranam) and, as a child, gleefully burning of effigies reminded everyone of
receiving money in return. These outings, the eternal battle between good and evil, a
though often exhausting, brought families perfect prelude to Diwali.
together. Looking back, I realise these little Sadly, this tradition is fading. Today’s
gestures—seeking blessings and offering Ram Leelas are often overshadowed
hospitality—are what made the festival feel by political speeches or marred by
so deeply personal. The cleaning tradition bureaucracy, and their once-vibrant
emphasises the importance of mindfulness cultural significance is slowly being lost.
and preparation. It serves as a reminder to
clear out not just physical space but also The Diwali Mela – A Shopper’s Paradise
emotional baggage, making way for new In my younger days, Diwali melas were
beginnings. an integral part of the festive season.
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