A Unique Example of Tradition and Culture: The 55-Year-Old Ramleela of Ajolia Ka Kheda

Navratri Special By Mukesh Mundra

The village of Ajolia Ka Kheda, near Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, stands as a remarkable example of tradition. For the past 55 years, this village has been staging a Ramleela performance every year during the Sharadiya Navratri festival. In an era where today’s youth are increasingly drawn to Western culture through platforms like Facebook and Instagram, the well-educated and working professionals of Ajolia Ka Kheda continue to preserve their customs by organizing Ramleela performances.

What sets this Ramleela apart is that the actors are not professional performers, but educated villagers and working professionals from the village itself.

The Tradition Continues

Fifty years ago, the Ramleela stage was made from bamboo poles and tarpaulins. Today, the same spot boasts an RCC roof, and modern technology like large LED screens is used to enhance the visuals. Every aspect of the Ramleela—from organizing the event to playing the roles—is managed by the Ramleela Mandal of Ajolia Ka Kheda. The expenses are borne collectively by the Mandal and the villagers.

Despite the modernization of society, the Ramleela holds such significance that even those living and working outside the village return home to participate. Although they are not professional actors, the participants have memorized the dialogues and verses of the Ramayana by heart.

Educated and Employed Locals Play the Roles

• Ram: Panna Lal Jat (MA)
• Hanuman: Kishan Jat (MA)
• Lakshman: Dr. Subhash Sharma (MBA, PhD)
• Ravan: Kamlesh Teli (ITI)
• Dashrath: Harish Sharma (M.Com)
• Ahiravan: Parmeshwar Jat
• Vishnu: Sachin Tripathi (MBA)
• Kumbhkaran: Dilkhush Tiwari
• Meghnath: Vishnu Tiwari (B.Tech)
• Director: Balu Jat
• Senior Clerk & Director: Devkishan Jat (Discom)

The Ramleela is performed for seven days during Sharadiya Navratri, from 9 PM to 12 AM, in the Hanumanji Temple courtyard. People from nearby villages also come to witness the event, creating a festive atmosphere.

Passing on Culture to the Next Generation

 

Through this tradition, children in the village are introduced to the cultural and religious heritage of the Ramayana. Various competitions are organized for them, and the sense of community is strengthened as villagers take time off from work to return home, contributing to the arrangements and bonding with each other.

A Symbol of Harmony and Unity

Each day, food is prepared at a different artist’s home, and all participants, regardless of caste or community, come together to enjoy meals after the Ramleela performance. The Ramleela has even drawn the attention of prominent officials, including former district collector Ravi Jain, and former superintendents of police Raghavendra Suhas and Prasanna Kumar Khamesra, who have come to watch the event.

The same Ramleela Mandal also organizes the Dussehra Mela and Ravan Dahan (burning of the effigy of Ravan) at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.