It was Sant Tulsidas who started Ramlila in Ramnagar. He was one of the most important poets in Hindi and is known for Ramcharit Manas, or the Story of Rama. Written in a local dialect, this poem is recited daily by millions of Hindus who seek purity and peace in their lives. The Ramnagar ki Ramlila uses the lyrics of the Manas and many people say that this form of Ramlila is also the creation of Tulsidas. The tradition of staging the Ramlila at Ramnagar, Varanasi, which lies across the Ganges River from the Hindu pilgrimage city of Varanasi, was started in ca 1830 by Maharaja Udit Narayan Singh, Kashi Naresh with the help of Pandit Laxmi Narayan Pandey's family (present Vyas ji of the Ramlila of Ramnagar). It rose in popularity during the reign of his successor Maharaj Isvari Prasad Singh, and received continued patronage from the subsequent Kings of the Royal House of Benares to create a participatory environmental theatre (Site-specific theatre) on a grand scale, where attendance ranges from few thousands to 100,000 for others.
Experience Ramlila at Ramnagar in Motion
Videos courtesy of YouTube. Explore more of Kashi through our curated visual guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it crowded during this festival?
Yes, festivals like Dev Deepawali and Mahashivratri attract millions. Plan your movement well in advance and be prepared for walking.
Do we need tickets?
Most religious festivals on the ghats are free. However, cultural seats or special boat views for events may require advance booking.
What is the best vantage point?
For riverfront festivals like Dev Deepawali, a mid-stream boat offers the most breathtaking 360-degree view of the illuminated ghats.
Is it safe for tourists?
Yes, but be wary of pickpockets in large crowds. It is best to travel with a recognized guide or in groups during peak festival hours.
Is travel on EMI available for festival packages?
Yes, we offer Travel on EMI for major festival tour packages in Varanasi.