Hanuman Sets Lanka Ablaze in Dramatic Ramleela Performance in Ratia

Ratia: The historic Ramleela organised by Shakti Natak Club at the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Gurudwara Ground in Shakti Nagar, Ratia, witnessed an engaging performance on Sunday night, depicting Lord Hanuman’s arrival in Lanka, the destruction of Ashok Vatika and the burning of the city.

The performance on the tenth day of the Ramleela brought key episodes from the Ramayana to the stage, including Hanuman’s search for Goddess Sita, his confrontation with Ravana’s forces and his return to Lord Rama after setting Lanka ablaze.

The event was attended by several prominent local representatives and community leaders.

Hanuman’s Encounter With Ravana’s Forces

The episode began with Lord Hanuman reaching Lanka in search of Goddess Sita. After locating her, Hanuman received a token from her to take back to Lord Rama as proof of their meeting.

He subsequently entered Ashok Vatika, where he ate fruits and uprooted trees and plants, causing widespread damage to the garden. When Ravana learnt about the destruction, he sent his son Akshay Kumar to capture Hanuman. However, Hanuman defeated and killed him during the encounter.

Ravana then dispatched Meghnath, who captured Hanuman using the Nagpash and brought him before the king in his court.

Hanuman and Ravana’s Heated Exchange

The confrontation between Hanuman and Ravana featured sharp exchanges of dialogue, adding dramatic intensity to the performance. Enraged by Hanuman’s actions, Ravana wanted to have him killed, but his brother Vibhishan intervened and advised him against taking such a step.

Instead, Ravana ordered that Hanuman’s tail be set on fire. When the king’s soldiers carried out the punishment, Hanuman used the flames to set Lanka ablaze before returning to Lord Rama.

The episode highlighted Hanuman’s courage, devotion and determination, while the scenes of Lanka burning formed a major attraction of the evening’s performance.

Vibhishan Leaves Lanka as War Approaches

The Ramleela also portrayed Ravana’s anger towards Vibhishan for intervening on Hanuman’s behalf. Ravana expelled his brother from Lanka, after which he awakened his sleeping brother Kumbhakarna and informed him about the impending war.

Meanwhile, Vibhishan approached Lord Rama and urged him to send another messenger in an effort to prevent the conflict. Following this suggestion, Angad was chosen to visit Ravana and attempt to negotiate peace.

These scenes set the stage for the next developments in the Ramayana, as efforts to avoid war continued alongside preparations for the approaching battle.

Shakti Natak Club Honours Guests and Organising Members

The programme was attended by Dr Piyush Arora, president of the Yuva Arorvansh Sabha; Somnath Garg, president of the Sati Mandir Panjaba Mal Committee; and Vikas Bhanikhera, chairman of the Block Samiti.

Other prominent attendees included Bunty Singla, president of the Prachin Gaushala Committee; Harvir Jora of Lions Club Ratia City; and advocate Bhagwan, among others.

At the conclusion of the tenth day’s programme, Shakti Natak Club president Rajesh Setia and other members of the organising committee honoured participants by presenting them with ceremonial stoles and mementoes.

Those associated with the organising team included Ravi Midha, Anshul Batra, Sachin Lalit, Karnail Singh, Anil Rukhaya, Prince Kalu Taneja, Shakti Kakkar, Ramesh Jatana, Vipul Midha, Vijay Taneja, Deepu Chilana, Ashu Taneja, Sonu Chilana and Manohar Lal, along with other executive committee members.

The event continued the club’s annual tradition of presenting episodes from the Ramayana, combining religious devotion, theatrical performances and community participation.