130 years of Ramleela in Cedar Hill

The ten-day drama enactment of the Hindu God, Lord Rama, begins tomorrow and continues to October 16 at the Cedar Hill Ramleela Ground.

Co-ordinator of this event, Alvin Sultan said hundreds gather at this ground daily to witness local actors doing their part in the unfolding story of Lord Rama.

“Cedar Hill Ramleela holds great significance in the development of this art in this country,” Alvin said, adding that the early settlers in the sugar estate in Cedar Hill, used Ramleela as a means of uniting with friends and family.

He emphasised that the Persad, Maharajs, Pandogies and Singh families joined forces to produce Ramleela as a way of paying tribute to Lord Rama during the days of indentureship.

Sultan will be joining with fellow villagers for the staging of Ramleela.

The cast comprises some 80 participants from ages three to 65 years.

Ramleela, he said, is an avenue to bring the community together as preparation began several months ago. The youths will showcase their talent in acting, costume construction, make-up and face painting, props construction, dance and music.

They undergo the routine fasting discipline in keeping with the sacredness of this drama. Alvin remembers the words of the previous co-ordinator Seecharan Pandogie: “Whomsoever catches a glimpse of the ‘swaroops’ (divinity being portrayed) or even accidentally listens to the Ramleela attains immense blessings.” This year the lead role of Rama would be portrayed by Amar Sookdeo a student of Naparima Boys, who took the reins from his father Sham Sookdeo who played the role of Ram for over 35 years.

Lakshman would be portrayed by Shivanand Dass; Sita by Elana Hajaree, a student of St Joseph’s Convent; Hanumanji by Clint Jaggessar and King Ravan will be portrayed by Siew Nandlal who is the son-in-law of the late Pandogie.

Ramleeela ends with burning of the effigy of a 50-ft replica of the demon King Ravan.

The Cedar Hill Ramleela ground remains a one-of-a-kind in TT as it takes the shape of a natural amphitheatre. Councillor Shawn Preamchand, representative for Cedar Hill and the CHCO are developing this space for this purpose.

Meanwhile, members of the Param Dhaama Aashrama of Lachoos Road, Penal began their Ramleela celebration last Monday and will continue until Sunday.

This is the seventh annual Ramleela for the ashram.

Ramleela continues in Palmiste Park, Sangre Grande, Chaguanas, Aranguez, Tarouba, Princes Town, Tunapuna, Fyzabad, Barrackpore, Rio Claro, Mayaro, and Couva. Following Ramleela, the Divali Nagar opens on October 20 and Divali will be celebrated on October 29.