LUCKNOW, Feb 16: A Ramlila performance is set to take place in Moscow on February 20 with the support of the Embassy of India in Russia, as part of a people-to-people initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, officials said on Sunday.
Organisers stated that grand stage arrangements, traditional costumes and authentic music are being readied for the cultural presentation.
Russian artistes will enact prominent characters from the Ramayana, with Evgeny playing Ram, Daria portraying Sita, Murat as Lakshman and Dmitry as Hanuman, according to an official statement.
The event is expected to draw a large gathering of Russian nationals, members of the Indian diaspora and cultural enthusiasts.
Rameshwar Singh, the chief organiser, said Ramlila carries a universal message of truth, dignity and ideal conduct, which has sparked significant interest among Russian audiences.
The programme is being organised with support from the Embassy and the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre (JNCC).
The tradition of staging Ramlila as part of India-Russia cultural exchanges dates back to the 1960s, when Soviet actor Gennady Mikhailovich Pechnikov performed in Moscow. A Russian troupe had also participated in the Ayodhya Deepotsav celebrations last year.
Singh noted that the upcoming event reflects the expanding global outreach of Ayodhya’s cultural initiatives. It is also being held with the support of India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, he added. (
