Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
A Ramlila theatre group from Nepal prepares the make-up and costume for the daily performance of the Ramayana at the 2004 Kumbh mela in Ujain, India, April 17, 2004. Ramlila is India's most popular theatre and the young boys who portray the Gods are revered as such by hindu devotees. It depict the epic struggle of good against evil personified by the life of God Ram and its war against the Demon-King Ravana. Every hindu child knows the story of Lord Ram, it is told as a bedtime story as much as it is studied as part of a religious experience. It is an intricate part of Hindu culture. (Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ujain India
A Ramlila theatre group from Nepal prepares the make-up and costume for the daily performance of the Ramayana at the 2004 Kumbh mela in Ujain, India, April 17, 2004. Ramlila is India's most popular theatre and the young boys who portray the Gods are revered as such by hindu devotees. It depict the epic struggle of good against evil personified by the life of God Ram and its war against the Demon-King Ravana. Every hindu child knows the story of Lord Ram, it is told as a bedtime story as much as it is studied as part of a religious experience. It is an intricate part of Hindu culture. (Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ujain India
A Ramlila theatre group from Nepal prepares the make-up and costume for the daily performance of the Ramayana at the 2004 Kumbh mela in Ujain, India, April 17, 2004. Ramlila is India's most popular theatre and the young boys who portray the Gods are revered as such by hindu devotees. It depict the epic struggle of good against evil personified by the life of God Ram and its war against the Demon-King Ravana. Every hindu child knows the story of Lord Ram, it is told as a bedtime story as much as it is studied as part of a religious experience. It is an intricate part of Hindu culture. (Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ujain India
A Ramlila theatre group from Nepal prepares the make-up and costume for the daily performance of the Ramayana at the 2004 Kumbh mela in Ujain, India, April 17, 2004. Ramlila is India's most popular theatre and the young boys who portray the Gods are revered as such by hindu devotees. It depict the epic struggle of good against evil personified by the life of God Ram and its war against the Demon-King Ravana. Every hindu child knows the story of Lord Ram, it is told as a bedtime story as much as it is studied as part of a religious experience. It is an intricate part of Hindu culture. (Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ujain India
A Ramlila theatre group from Nepal prepares the make-up and costume for the daily performance of the Ramayana at the 2004 Kumbh mela in Ujain, India, April 17, 2004. Ramlila is India's most popular theatre and the young boys who portray the Gods are revered as such by hindu devotees. It depict the epic struggle of good against evil personified by the life of God Ram and its war against the Demon-King Ravana. Every hindu child knows the story of Lord Ram, it is told as a bedtime story as much as it is studied as part of a religious experience. It is an intricate part of Hindu culture. (Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ujain India
A Ramlila theatre group from Nepal prepares the make-up and costume for the daily performance of the Ramayana at the 2004 Kumbh mela in Ujain, India, April 17, 2004. Ramlila is India's most popular theatre and the young boys who portray the Gods are revered as such by hindu devotees. It depict the epic struggle of good against evil personified by the life of God Ram and its war against the Demon-King Ravana. Every hindu child knows the story of Lord Ram, it is told as a bedtime story as much as it is studied as part of a religious experience. It is an intricate part of Hindu culture. (Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ujain India
A Ramlila theatre group from Nepal prepares the make-up and costume for the daily performance of the Ramayana at the 2004 Kumbh mela in Ujain, India, April 17, 2004. Ramlila is India's most popular theatre and the young boys who portray the Gods are revered as such by hindu devotees. It depict the epic struggle of good against evil personified by the life of God Ram and its war against the Demon-King Ravana. Every hindu child knows the story of Lord Ram, it is told as a bedtime story as much as it is studied as part of a religious experience. It is an intricate part of Hindu culture. (Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ujain India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater troupe at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : (left to right) Lakshman, Ram and his wife Sita during a Ramlila Theater performance at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. When the actors are dressed as Gods, they become the gods and are worshipped by pilgrims as divine reincarnations. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Rahul dressed as Ram for Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. When they are dressed as Gods, they are worshipped as such by pilgrims. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Rohit is Laxman, Ram’s brother, during a Ramlila Theater performance at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Vijay in the role of the dancer (Saki) performing during Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : (left to right) Lakshman, Ram and his wife Sita during a Ramlila Theater performance at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. When the actors are dressed as Gods, they become the gods and are worshipped by pilgrims as divine reincarnations. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
Haridwar, India, March, 2010 : Ramlila Theater at the Kumbh Mela, Haridwar, March 2010. Ramlila theater play the Ramayana, the Hindu Holy epic of the God Ram, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman. It is a story of good against evil, as the Gods fights the demons to recover the kidnapped Sita. Guru Sringari Ladlisaran direct the play, as well as create make-up, costumes and sets. He plays harmonium and sings as well. The actors are young nepalese brahmin boys (age 9 to 11) from Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita. They are : Rahul as Rama, Rohit as Laxman, Sanjay as Sita, Vijay as Saki#1 and Suraj as Saki#2 . They are performing twice a day during the months long Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela, the months-long hindu pilgrimage takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. At this time, the waters of the Ganges river turn into a holy nectar and bathing in it brings immense religious rewards. On the first Royal Bath (Shahi Snan ), on the new moon of March, some 8 million pilgrims bathed in the river. Pilgrims come for the Holy Bath and also to be in the presence of Sadhus, the Hindu Ascetics followers of Shiva and Vishnu. Haridwar India
VARANASSI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - October 8, 2005 : A "disco lila", a modern version of the Ramlila is going down the streets in a parade of tableaux depicting the epic of the Ramayana in Varanassi . Varanassi, also named Benares or Kachi, is one of the holiest place for Hindus in India, drawing millions of pilgrims every year. They come to prey to along the temples lining the ghats, and purify themselves in the "Holi Ganga". It always has been an auspicious place to die, since expiring here offers 'moksha', liberation of the circle of life and death. (Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux/Getty Images) Varanassi India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 4, 2005 : The Ramnagar Fort stands above the Ganges river swollen by monsoon rains, across the river from the holi city of Varanassi (also called Benares or Kachi) .Varanassi is one of the holiest city in India and has always been an auspicious place to die, since expiring here offers moksha - liberation from the cycle of birth and death. (Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Varanasi India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 5, 2005 : Artists work on decoration for the Ramlila of Ramnagar. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area and It is the largest theater production in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ramnagar India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 5, 2005 : Actors prepare before the start of the 19th day-episode of the Ramlila in Ramnagar on October 5, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area and It is the largest theater production in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ramnagar India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 5, 2005 : Ram (right) and his brother Laxman, Gods-heros of the Ramlila theatre,in Ramnagar on October 2, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight to free his kidnaped wife Sita from the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area. It is the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Varanassi India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 2, 2005 : A giant effigy of Surpanaka, the evil sister of the Demon-King Ravana, is being prepared for today's episode (16) of the Ramlila in Ramnagar, on October2, 2005 . The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area. It is the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux/Getty Images)
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 2, 2005 : A giant effigy of Surpanaka, the evil sister of the Demon-King Ravana, is being prepared for today's episode (16) of the Ramlila in Ramnagar, on October2, 2005 . The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area. It is the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux/Getty Images)
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - SEPTEMBER 22, 2005 : The Maharaja of Benares watches the performance of the Ramlila from the top of his elephant on day # 6 of the Ramlila in Ramnagar, on September 22, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana', writen by Tulsidas in Varanasi, which depict the adventures of the god Ram and his flight aginst the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still the most authentic, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is performed over a 10 square mile area . It is the largest theatrical production in the world ..(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Varanassi India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - SEPTEMBER 25, 2005 : The Maharaja of Benares leaves his fort on his elephant, to start day # 9 of the Ramlila in Ramnagar, on September 25, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana', writen by Tulsidas in Varanasi, which depict the adventures of the god Ram and his flight aginst the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still the most authentic, a reference to other Ramlilas. The It last for 31 days over a 10 square mile area and the 9th deay is a sad one as Ram is going into exile for 14 years in the forest. It is still the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux/Getty Images) Varanassi India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - SEPTEMBER 23, 2005 : The 'Svarups', young boys who play the Gods in the Ramlila Drama, are truly worshipped as Gods by hindu devotees on day # 7 of the Ramlila in Ramnagar, on September 23, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana', translated from Sanskrit by poet Tulsidas in Varanasi, which depict the adventures of the god Ram and his flight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still the most authentic, a reference to other Ramlilas. The It last for 31 days over a 10 square mile area . On day 7th, Ram live in exile in the forest of Chitrakut with wife Sita and brother Laxshman. It is still the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Varanassi India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 2, 2005 : Giant effigies of Gods and Demons are being prepared for today's episode of the Ramlila in Ramnagar, on October 2, 2005 . The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area. It is the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Raqmnagar India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - SEPTEMBER 22, 2005 : The Maharaja of Benares watches the performance of the Ramlila from the top of his elephant on day # 6 of the Ramlila in Ramnagar, on September 22, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana', writen by Tulsidas in Varanasi, which depict the adventures of the god Ram and his flight aginst the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still the most authentic, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is performed over a 10 square mile area . It is the largest theatrical production in the world ..(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Varanassi India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 2, 2005 : Priests carry the svarups (young boys who portrait the Gods) for the play Ramlila (Lila=play in Hindi) in Ramnagar (Nagar=neighborhood) . The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the adventures of the god Ram and his flight aginst the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still the most authentic, a reference to other Ramlilas. The It last for 31 days over a 10 square mile area and is still the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux/Getty Images) Varanassi India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 2, 2005 : Priests carry the svarups (young boys who portrait the Gods) for the play Ramlila (Lila=play in Hindi) in Ramnagar (Nagar=neighborhood) . The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the adventures of the god Ram and his flight aginst the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still the most authentic, a reference to other Ramlilas. The It last for 31 days over a 10 square mile area and is still the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux/Getty Images) Varanassi India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 5, 2005 : Actors prepare before the start of the 19th day-episode of the Ramlila in Ramnagar on October 5, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area and It is the largest theater production in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ramnagar India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 5, 2005 : Actors prepare before the start of the 19th day-episode of the Ramlila in Ramnagar on October 5, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area and It is the largest theater production in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ramnagar India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 5, 2005 : Actors prepare before the start of the 19th day-episode of the Ramlila in Ramnagar on October 5, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area and It is the largest theater production in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ramnagar India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 5, 2005 : Actors prepare before the start of the 19th day-episode of the Ramlila in Ramnagar on October 5, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area and It is the largest theater production in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ramnagar India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 5, 2005 : Hindu devotees follow the text of the play meticulously during the performance of the 19th episode of the Ramlila in Ramnagar on October 5, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area. It is the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ramnagar India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 5, 2005 : The Monkey God Hanuman, loyal soldier of Ram climbs into the mouth of Surpanaka, the evil sister of Demon-King Ravana during the performance of the 19th episode of the Ramlila in Ramnagar on October 5, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area. It is the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ramnagar India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 5, 2005 : Hindu devotees follow the text of the play meticulously during the performance of the 19th episode of the Ramlila in Ramnagar on October 5, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area. It is the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ramnagar India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 5, 2005 : Actors, the audience and the Maharaja of Banares move from one stage location to another during the performance of the 19th episode of the Ramlila in Ramnagar on October 5, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area. It is the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) ramnagar india
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - SEPTEMBER 22, 2005 : The Maharaja of Benares watches the performance of the Ramlila from the top of his elephant on day # 6 of the Ramlila in Ramnagar, on September 22, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana', writen by Tulsidas in Varanasi, which depict the adventures of the god Ram and his flight aginst the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still the most authentic, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is performed over a 10 square mile area . It is the largest theatrical production in the world ..(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Varanassi India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 2, 2005 : During a night episode of the Ramlila of Ramnagar, the God Ram battles giants to save his kidnaped wife from the Demon-king Ravana. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area. It is the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ramnagar India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 2, 2005 : During a night episode of the Ramlila of Ramnagar, the God Ram battles giants to save his kidnaped wife from the Demon-king Ravana. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area. It is the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ramnagar India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 10, 2005 : The Ramlila drama takes place in the vast field of Lanka with Demon-king Ravana, Director Laxmi Naraing, the cast of Monkeys with Hanuman the Monkey God (in red) and numerous actors on day 24 of the Ramlila, October 10, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana', writen by Tulsidas in Varanasi, which depict the adventures of the god Ram and his flight aginst the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still the most authentic, a reference to other Ramlilas. The It last for 31 days over a 10 square mile area and the 9th deay is a sad one as Ram is going into exile for 14 years in the forest. It is still the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Varanassi India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 5, 2005 : The Monkey God Hanuman, loyal soldier of Ram climbs into the mouth of Surpanaka, the evil sister of Demon-King Ravana during the performance of the 19th episode of the Ramlila in Ramnagar on October 5, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the struggle of the god Ram and his fight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still its most authentic rendition, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area. It is the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Ramnagar India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 10, 2005 : The Demon-king Ravana get ready for battle with Ram on day 24 of the Ramlila, October 10, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana', writen by Tulsidas in Varanasi, which depict the adventures of the god Ram and his flight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still the most authentic, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area . It is the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux/Getty Images) Varanassi India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 2, 2005 : Sadhu pilgrims follow religiously the 30-day Ramlila play in Ramnagar. Viewing the Ramlila of Ramnagar in its entirety is like completing a pilgrimage, a cleaning of the soul. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana' which depict the adventures of the god Ram and his flight against the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still the most authentic, a reference to other Ramlilas. The It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area. It is the largest theatre production in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Varanassi India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - OCTOBER 10, 2005 : The Ramlila drama takes place in the vast field of Lanka with Demon-king Ravana, Director Laxmi Naraing, the cast of Monkeys with Hanuman the Monkey God (in red) and numerous actors on day 24 of the Ramlila, October 10, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana', writen by Tulsidas in Varanasi, which depict the adventures of the god Ram and his flight aginst the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still the most authentic, a reference to other Ramlilas. The It last for 31 days over a 10 square mile area and the 9th deay is a sad one as Ram is going into exile for 14 years in the forest. It is still the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux/Getty Images) Varanassi India
RAMNAGAR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA - SEPTEMBER 25, 2005 : Musicians and singers chant the story of Lord Ram during the performance of the Ramlila in Ramnagar, on September 25, 2005. The Ramlila is the play of the Hindu scripture 'the Ramayana', writen by Tulsidas in Varanasi, which depict the adventures of the god Ram and his flight aginst the Demon God Ravana. The Ramlila of Ramnagar has been organized by the Maharaja of Benares since the early 1800s and is still the most authentic, a reference to other Ramlilas. It last for 31 days and is staged over a 10 square mile area. It is still the largest play to be produced in the world .(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux) Varanassi India
