Patna: The Ramlila being staged at Gandhi Maidan in Patna entered its third day on Wednesday with a dramatic enactment of the slaying of the demoness Tàrâkâ. As Lord Rama defeated the demoness on stage, chants of “Jai Shri Ram” reverberated through the grounds, drawing an emotional response from the thousands in attendance.
Artists from Vrindavan, directed by Swami Giriraj Vashisht, led the performance. Each evening opens with an aarti to the Ram Darbar, with Tuesday’s presentation focusing on Rama’s birth, followed by Wednesday’s depiction of his youthful journey with sage Vishvamitra.
The play portrayed the disruption of Vishvamitra’s sacred rituals by demons and his plea to King Dasharatha to send Rama and Lakshmana to protect him. Dasharatha’s reluctance, rooted in his love for his sons, and Vishvamitra’s subsequent anger held the audience’s attention until Guru Vashishtha’s intervention eased the tension, leading to the brothers’ departure for the forest.
On stage, Rama’s encounters with Maricha and Subahu preceded the climactic slaying of Tàrâkâ. The scene, symbolising the protection of dharma and the welfare of sages, drew loud cheers and devotional chants from the audience as the atmosphere turned fervently spiritual.
The evening began with a set of devotional songs, performed by Vishal Soni’s group, which attracted crowds from as early as 4pm. The bhajans set a devotional tone that carried into the Ramlila performance, now approaching its peak as the festival progresses.
