In pics: All-women Ramlilas of Uttarakhand

In Haldwani, girls studying in classes V-IX are playing a plethora of characters including Ram, Lakshman, Bharat, and Shatrughan. This is the area's first attempt at organising such a show, even though the Pancheshvar Mandir committee has been organising Ramlilas for the past 36 years. (Photo: TOI)

"I came to audition after learning about the all-girls' Ramlila. Because of my height, I was offered the role of Lord Ram. I am thrilled. I am enjoying and learning a lot,” said Poornima, a student of class IX. (Photo: TOI)

In Pithoragarh, meanwhile, schoolgirls have been cast as Ram and his brothers while Ravana’s character is being played by local resident Neema Upreti, a homemaker. (Photo: TOI)

This is the second time that an all-women Ramlila will be performed there. (Photo: TOI)

Organisers say they took the initiative to provide "a new experience" to the audience. (Photo: TOI)

Cultural NGO Svaranjali’s chairperson, Uma Pandey, says that she has been nurturing this dream of an all-women Ramlila for a decade. (Photo: TOI)

“Women came forward in large numbers this year to perform. Most are housewives and school-going girls, while a few of them run businesses,” said Pandey.