Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:32pm on 28 Sep 2025,Sunday India
The Chitrakoot Ramlila of Kashi claims to be the world's oldest Ramlila, reportedly started 485 years ago by Megha Bhagat, a disciple of saint-poet Tulsidas. This traditional 22-day festival preserves ancient customs including the Mukut Pujan ceremony and Nakkataiyya procession. The performance takes place in Varanasi's Chitrakoot area, maintaining centuries-old theatrical traditions that dramatize episodes from the Ramayana. The festival represents one of India's most enduring cultural continuities, blending religious devotion with community theater. Local performers and audiences participate in rituals that have been passed down through generations, making it a living repository of Hindu religious and cultural practices that connects contemporary devotees with medieval spiritual traditions.
