Kumaoni Ramlila is the mirror of Uttrakhand’s Culture

New Delhi: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Ministry of Culture, GOI, today launched a very instrumental book “Ope Rama Kumaoni Ramleela”. This book represents the unique tradition and culture of Indian state Uttrakhand’s, Kumaoni region and is based on world famous longest opera presentation of ‘Kumaoni Ramlila’. The book has been researched, compiled and written by Shri Himanshu Joshi and edited by Dr. Ramakar Pant. The book launch event was chaired by Shri Rambahadur Rai, President, IGNCA. The other special guests present at the book launch event were Dr. Sachidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, Dr. Ramakar Pant, HoD, Adi Drishya Division, IGNCA, Prof. K. Anil Kumar, HoD, Janpada Sampada Division, IGNCA , Prof. Pushpesh Pant, Academician and Historian and Shri Himanshu Joshi, the author of the book.
Dr. Ramakar Pant while introducing the book said that in 2007, the Janpada Sampada Division of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts had started the detailed work of documenting and studying the living traditions of regional ‘Ram- Kathas’. Under this, more than 30 living traditions were documented. “Ope Rama Kumaoni Ramleela” was the first major project in this live series. He said that it took a long time of 14 years for its publication, but it is also true that such works transcend time and are timeless and innovative. In this Ramlila, there is a beautiful depiction of the melodiousness of music and Indian Parsi theatrical styles.
Shri Himanshu Joshi the author and musician while describing about the ‘Kumaoni Ramleela’, said, “Its first presentation was held in Badrishwar locality of Almora in 1842. But I believe it was not easy to create such a huge masterpiece. It would have taken at least 30-40 to 50 years to compile this.” He said that its specialty is that it is not in Kumaoni language. The original compositions in this work have been taken from “Ramcharitmanas” by Goswami Tulsidas. But many intellectuals, music lovers contributed in this from time to time. It was written, composed and given a beautiful form and as a result the work till date is alive and it is performed in a very beautiful way. The rendition of the verses and the musical notes are difficult to perform, but people of Kumaon do it very easily. It is as easy for them as it is for us to breathe. It also includes a lot of words from Hindi, Braj, and Awadhi and Urdu languages. The practice of this Ramlila is called ‘Talim’ and its practice starts two to three months in advance. It is not just located in Almora but it has travelled to Pithoragarh and Nainital. The rest of the places have their own style of its presentation but the people of Pithoragarh have added their own variation and presentation style to it.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Sachidanand Joshi expressed his satisfaction on the publishing and launch of this instrumental book after toil and hard work of 14 years. He also added that projects based on our own culture and folk life should be planned, documented and published so that people can be acquainted and future generations can learn from our rich heritage and culture. He reiterated that where the name of ‘Rama’ and faith comes it defies all logic. He further added that every ‘Ram-katha’ has its own tone and tenor and there should always be an effort in connecting with our culture, folk life and sensibilities of the diverse regions of this country. He concluded by congratulating the writer and editor of the book and said they have done hard work in documenting the book and it is a courageous work in the contemporary circumstances.
Prof. Pushpesh Pant while addressing the gathering said ‘Kumaoni Ramlila’ that, the education of the ‘Kumaoni Ramlila’ starts much before it has to be staged and the characters of the ‘Ramleela’ are selected with many deliberations. He at the end said that this key work on the given subject could not have been done by any other than Shri Himanshu, given his understanding of music and his association with the band ‘Indian Ocean’. He understands the culture and tradition of the region quite well. At the end Prof. K. Anil Kumar extended his vote of thanks to the author, editor and other distinguished guests and the audience. He also thanked the Publication Division of IGNCA and Media Centre of IGNCA. At the end there was a musical presentation based on ‘Kumaoni Ramleela’ given by the author and musician Shri Himanshu Joshi.