In the land of Ram, a Ramlila that unites Hindus and Muslims

(Mumtaznagar) Ayodhya: On most days, Syed Majid Ali is a dedicated medical practitioner, committed to implementing national health programmes as part of his work with the Uttar Pradesh health department. Yet, for six weeks each year, he steps away from his medical duties to immerse himself in a different kind of service — one that celebrates cultural harmony and ancient tradition.As the chief manager of the Mumtaz Nagar Ramlila Ramayana Samiti, Majid plays a pivotal role in organising a seven-day Ramlila performance that unites Hindus and Muslims on a shared stage. In this rare and meaningful collaboration, performers from both communities come together to re-enact the epic battle between good and evil, with Lord Ram’s victory as the central theme.A part of his work entails being responsible for collecting funds, assembling actors, and guiding them through rehearsals for the highly anticipated annual event. He also leads the intezamia, or management of the entire production. On October 11, for example, the troupe brought to life key episodes from the Ramayana, including the construction of the Ram Setu, the intense confrontation between Ravan and Angad, and the fierce battle between Lakshman and Meghnad. Majid’s dedication ensures that these stories, rich in cultural and moral significance, are retold with passion and precision.Keeping traditions alive“The Ramlila was started by my father in 1963 to promote communal harmony and strengthen brotherhood,” Majid shares proudly with TOI+. “It’s a great story that gives hope. I’m happy to be carrying the tradition forward.” Today, at least 10 members of the Ramlila troupe are Muslims, continuing the legacy of unity and collaboration.Majid also highlights the unique nature of the audience. “Mumtaz Nagar Ramlila is an icon of a united India,” he says. “More than 800 of our total 1,100 residents are from the Muslim community, yet both communities watch the chronicles of Lord Ram with equal reverence.” 114165779A closer look at the event reveals the careful sensitivity with which the Ramlila is managed. “The Samiti is extremely mindful of the religious sentiments of both communities,” Majid explains. “The lead roles from Ram’s side are given to Hindu actors, while Muslims play other characters. In Islam, idol worship is not permitted, and since the ritualistic aarti of Lord Ram is performed every day, we ensure the roles are assigned accordingly. This balance helps maintain harmony,” he adds.Majid emphasises the importance of this thoughtful approach, saying, "Ehtiyaat zaruri hai… especially aaj kal (It is important to be careful, especially these days)." The conscious effort to respect both religious traditions has allowed the event to foster unity while preserving the cultural richness of the Ramlila. medium114166069Muslim actors in the group agree. “The characters in Ramlila are no ordinary beings… they are Gods, deeply loved and revered by Hindus across the world,” says Mohd Ikhlaqh, who plays Ravan’s Mahamantri. “Many of us may not fully grasp the nuances of these divine characters, and that might unintentionally hurt the sentiments of our Hindu brothers. So, it’s better to participate with some restraint,” he explains.Hindus participating in the Ramlila also reciprocate the spirit of unity. “The purpose of this effort is to highlight the importance of our shared syncretic cultural legacy, and that can’t be achieved unless Hindus also do their part,” says Vinod Gupta, a member of the troupe.Spirit of unityBanwari Yadav, whose father was involved with the Ramlila since its inception, now serves as the director of the event. Reflecting on the collaboration, he shared, "It’s not uncommon for people to ask us, ‘Why are you associated with them?’ referring to our Muslim partners. In fact, they face this more often than we do. But Majid Sahab and I are committed to carrying forward the will and legacy of our parents. We are the second generation, and now our children and grandchildren also participate. It has become like a large extended family."When asked if the tradition of Ramlila had ever been interrupted, particularly in the wake of the Babri Masjid demolition, Banwari Yadav recalls: “The demolition happened in December 1992, so that year the Ramlila was performed as usual. By the following year, over nine months had passed, and people had begun to move on. Moreover, we in Mumtaz Nagar were determined to emphasise the importance of unity. We wanted to reaffirm the legacy of love and respect, to show future generations the right path forward.” 114165820He adds that no religious reason has ever interrupted the Ramlila tradition. “Even during the Covid pandemic, the Ramlila was staged, although we had to shorten the episodes to comply with the time restrictions set by the local administration,” he explains. “However, on a few occasions, unforeseen circumstances like unexpected rain or strong winds forced us to suspend the performance. In those instances, the disrupted episode was presented the following day.”As the owner of several agrarian businesses, Banwari Yadav’s entire family remains deeply committed to the Ramlila tradition. He shared how the Hindu participants are equally mindful of their Muslim counterparts' needs and beliefs. “There were times when Dusshera coincided with Ramzan. Some of the Muslim actors chose not to participate, and their decision was respected. For those who continued, we accommodated them with flexible timings and made other necessary adjustments,” he says. medium114166105Both Majid Ali and Banwari Yadav believe that their Ramlila tradition has positively impacted the residents of Mumtaz Nagar. “The respect we have earned is truly satisfying,” says Majid Ali. “In times of trouble elsewhere, we are often cited as a model of peace and harmony.”Listing some practical advantages, Banwari Yadav highlights the community's strong support for the Ramlila. “We don’t have to run from pillar to post for donations… on the contrary, we receive more than expected from various sources,” he says. “Additionally, we don’t need to hire outside artists or chase after cheap gimmicks to add glamour. Many families from the village participate in this community event, and the skills they gain here help them handle real-life situations more confidently.”Commitment to harmonyCalling the Mumtaz Nagar Ramlila a ‘glimpse of India’s tradition to embrace each one with love’, Mahant Girishpati Tripathi, mayor of Ayodhya, says: “Ayodhya may have been at the centre of a great socio-political movement… but its people have always harboured peace and harmony. In Ram Rajya, there is a place, love and respect for everyone… the joys and sorrows are shared by all.” medium114166155The seven-day event unfolds in a fast-paced manner, starting with Ganesh Pujan and Ram Vivaah and concluding with Ram’s coronation. After the main events, an orchestra performance allows villagers to showcase their talent and join in the celebration. On the final day, a ceremony is held to honour the participating actors, followed by a communal feast that brings everyone together to celebrate the success of the Ramlila. This structure not only keeps the tradition alive but also offers a platform for community members to actively participate and take pride in the event.