Bhagyashree set to take part in Ayodhya's star-studded Ramlila

AYODHYA: The 11-day-long Ramlila in Ayodhya began on Saturday at Ramkatha Park here. According to the organisers, Bollywood actor Bhagyashree will be seen in the role of Vedvati this year. She had essayed the role of Sita briefly last year. Vedvati, according to Hindu mythology, is the previous birth of the goddess Sita who had cursed Ravana that she would become the reason for his death in another life.

Bobby Malik, director of Ayodhya Ramlila, said, "Each episode of Ramlila will be telecasted live on YouTube channel, Doordarshan and other social media platforms while many senior artistes from Delhi and Mumbai will be performing here." Malik also claimed that last year, this Ramlila of Ayodhya was watched by over 25 crore spectators on social media. Political and Bollywood celebrities from many states will come to the 11-day event. Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor will be among the viewers this time, Malik claimed.

Meanwhile, the traditional Ramlila in Ayodhya, which has been a calendar event in the temple town around Dussehra for the better part of six decades now, returned to the stage after a year-long and enforced hiatus because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The staging of the Ramlila resumed on Thursday at the Swami Shri Bhagwatcharya Smarak Sadan, under the auspices of the Sant Shri Tulsidas Ramlila Committee.

A calendar event since 1964, the Ramlila was last staged on October 17, 2021. However, it was stopped thereafter after the novel coronavirus pandemic confined millions across the country indoors and locked down cities.

The seer of Ayodhya and Hanumangarhi, Sanjay Das, Mahant Bindu Gaddacharya of Dashrath Mahal temple, Mahant Rasik Peethadhishwar of Janaki Mahal temple, Mahant Avadhesh Das Ji Maharaj of Bada Bhakta Mahal temple, along with political leaders including Ayodhya’s MP, Mayor and MLAs were present at the staging of the Ramlila on Thursday.