The artists mesmerized the audience with their expressions
On the second day of the ongoing National Ramayana Festival in Raigad, the Aranya Kand based on the Ramayana of Indonesia was staged.
Raipur, 02 June 2023
On the second day of the ongoing National Ramayana Festival at Ramlila Maidan, Raigarh, artists from Indonesia gave an unforgettable presentation of Sita Haran and Ram-Ravana war based on the Ramayana of Indonesia. The whole episode was made so effective by Indonesian artists through their expressions that the audience got mesmerized. The performance by the artistes started with wonderful tunes. Kakwin Ramayana of Java Island of Indonesia and Ramayana of Bali Island are prominent. This furnace is inspired by the poetry of the poet. The Indian civilization in the island of Bali is intact with local influence. Scholars believe that the influence of South is more on this. That’s why their expressions are like Kathakali artistes of South.
The music in this rendition of Indonesian Ramayana is superb. Hanuman came on stage after Ram and Sita. Hanuman ji has a big role in this presentation. His crown, his clothes show that like the Indian society, the Balinese society also has a deep respect for nature. The hand postures are changing with the music. The music here is totally different and distinctive. Ram Katha is being told through Bhav Mudra in rhythm with music only. As the episode progresses in the performance of artists from Indonesia, The music gets louder. It is being told from the postures of the eyes that how Sita ji was abducted. A shocking sight for the spectators. The Ramkatha progresses with the wonderful notes of instruments like flute. The artist describes the whole episode alive only in Bhava Mudra. It is a great thing that in this art there is their cultural heritage as well as an attempt to adopt a lofty character like Ram. The special thing is that without touching Sita ji, the artist who was acting Ravana by his own efforts, showed the scene of abduction. It is a ballet-like performance. In the end, the whole story becomes clear from the song presented in the local language.
During the presentation, Hanuman ji carries the ring in the scene of Ashok Vatika. Hanuman ji burnt Lanka and destroyed Lanka with fierce energy. Hanuman ji shows the ring to Shri Ram. The battle between Ram and Ravana takes place in the last phase. Lakshmana gives the bow to Rama. An interesting incident was also seen here that Hanuman ji is also having a duel with Ravana. Rama and Sita are reunited. Ram Sita in front, then Laxman, behind Hanuman ji. People cheered loudly. Significantly, in the Ramayana presentation of Indonesia, this character of Lord Shri Ram was played by a female artist Shriyani, who is a resident of Bali island. He gave such a memorable presentation today along with his fellow artists that the whole atmosphere was filled with joy.
