The historic Ramlila of Nainital in Uttarakhand is transforming from a traditional religious and cultural celebration into a powerful symbol of women empowerment. At the Shri Ram Sewa Sabha Ramlila in Mallital, nearly 70 percent of all character roles are being performed by young girls and women. What makes this tradition remarkable is that these daughters are no longer restricted to traditional female roles like Sita, Kaikeyi, or Mandodari; instead, they are stepping onto the stage to bring major male characters like Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna to life. This progressive tradition, which originated in Nainital, has now started reflecting in Ramlila productions across other regions of Kumaon, showcasing a shifting social outlook and growing self-confidence among young women.
Anushka Kohli Leads As Lord Rama After Years Of Acting
Anushka Kohli, who portrays the central role of Lord Rama in the Shri Ram Sewa Sabha production, has been acting in the Ramlila for the past 14 years. Interestingly, her sisters are also deeply involved in the tradition, playing various characters to keep the legacy moving forward. Anushka shared that earlier all four of her sisters used to participate in the acting, though due to unavoidable circumstances one sister could not join this year's staging. One of her sisters portrays the role of Lakshmana, while another appears in distinct characters such as Shurpanakha, Shabari, and Kaikeyi. She noted that participation among young girls has steadily grown over time, and today they execute male roles with remarkable flair. The portrayal of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna by these young women has emerged as a major highlight for audiences.
Anusuya Verma Shines In The Role Of Sita
Anusuya Verma, who portrays the character of Sita on stage, has been part of the annual staging for the past three years. She stated that the atmosphere at the Shri Ram Sewa Sabha Ramlila is extremely encouraging, providing young girls with ample opportunities to advance and display their artistic talent. According to Anusuya, she eagerly anticipates the Ramlila season because it gives her a platform to showcase her performance skills. She expressed her belief that girls are fully capable of playing any character effectively, noting that such events boost their self-confidence and allow them to recognize their true potential.
A 129-Year-Old Legacy Of Culture And Expression
The Nainital Ramlila carries a rich 129-year history, dating back to times when the venue even served as a platform to raise voices against British rule. Over this extensive timeline, the stage has witnessed profound evolution. Nivedita Upreti, who plays the character of Mandodari this year, is participating as a performer for the very first time. She shared that she has been watching the Nainital Ramlila since her childhood, and whenever she saw girls playing major male roles like Lord Rama and Lakshmana, it brought her immense joy. Inspired by this sight, she made the personal decision to join the Ramlila this year.
Encouraging Gen Z And The Expanding Role Of Women
Nivedita Upreti explained that with the support of the Shri Ram Sewa Sabha, she got the opportunity to play Mandodari this year, which has left her very happy. She noted that the Ramlila not only empowers women but also gives them a concrete platform to exhibit their talents. She appealed to the youth and Gen Z to participate actively in such religious and cultural events so they can help carry traditions forward while honing their personal skills. Over the past 30 to 40 years, women's participation in the Ramlila has witnessed a significant upward surge.
Mukesh Joshi 'Mantu', an official of the Shri Ram Sewa Sabha, pointed out that women's involvement has expanded remarkably over the last three to four decades. He recalled that several women, including Parvati Bisht and Leela Thathola, have acted in the Ramlila across different eras. The consistent participation of local girls has lent further strength to this tradition. According to Mukesh Joshi, women are now taking on prominent lead roles not just in Nainital, but also in Ramlilas organized across surrounding regions. He described this trend as a reflection of positive social change and a major milestone for women empowerment, injecting fresh energy into religious traditions while opening doors for daughters to excel.
