English Ram Leela: Bringing Traditions Back To Life This Diwali

For generations, Indians across the globe have embraced their heritage with enthusiasm, celebrating festivals like Eid, Holi, Baisakhi, and Diwali while maintaining a deep connection to their roots in their new homes. One beloved tradition that continues to resonate is Ram Leela, a lively folk re-enactment of the epic Ramayana that vividly brings the story of Rama to life through music, narration, and dialogue.

At the Waitakere Diwali 2024, the Taal group showcased a captivating English adaptation of Ram Leela that gripped the audience. Under the dedicated guidance of Tanvi Kaushal, the founder and director of the not-for-profit dance school, a diverse ensemble of performers aged 5 to 45 came together to deliver a heartfelt and engaging performance.

Their passion and spirit not only highlighted the richness of Indian culture but also created a warm sense of community, reminding everyone of the joy that comes from sharing our stories and traditions.

“We’ve been rehearsing in bite-sized pieces for about three months, alongside our usual dance performances,” Tanvi explained. “In that time, we managed to present five dance performances and a 25-minute Ram Leela. Huge kudos to everyone involved!”

The relevance of this adaptation is particularly significant for the actors, many of whom are first-generation Kiwi-Indians. Tanvi shared her vision for the production: “I wanted to empower our youth to learn about our culture and Diwali in a way they could understand. This production is dedicated to my Nana, a Pundit, who taught me about our religion. I hope to inspire our youth to engage with our heritage meaningfully.”

The cast included performers such as Tashmay Chand as Ram, Alisha Singh as Sita, Vijay Singh as Laxman, Jahnvi Kumar as Hanuman, and Pranay Chand as Ravana. Interwoven with the narration, this unique rendition of Ram Leela also incorporated dynamic musical-style dances that captivated the audience throughout the performance.

In terms of logistics, Tanvi also took on the role of set and costume designer, with the help of the Taal team. “We created most of our props by hand, funded by donations and our fundraising efforts. We do not charge fees for students to enroll, relying on community support to sustain our activities.”

“We’re involved in as many Melas as we can be, not only performing dance dramas but also showcasing Bollywood items. We focus on both classical and semi-classical formats to ensure our dancers have strong foundational skills,” Tanvi told The Indian Weekender.

Taal's rendition of Ram Leela strives to preserve India's cultural heritage in the hearts of New Zealand's future generations.

Tanvi Kaushal, the founder and director of Taal/Photo: Supplied