Sun, 25 October 2026
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Sun, 25 October 2026
By Siraj Khan, Nepalgunj, Oct. 25: The 159th edition of Nepalgunj’s historic Ram Lila concluded with the burning of a 45-foot effigy of Ravana and the staging of Bharat Milap, the reunion of Lord Ram and his brother Bharat.
Santosh Kumar Kanodia, chairman of the Ram Lila Organising Committee, said the festival, which had been staged at the Ram Lila ground in Nepalgunj since Ghatasthapana, concluded after 11 days with Bharat Milap.
He said large numbers of devotees from Nepal and India had visited the venue to watch the historic Ram Lila, which has been staged continuously for the past 158 years.
The performances depicted various episodes from the life of Lord Ram, including his ideals, sacrifice, exile, the abduction of Sita and the battle against Ravana. The annual event concluded with the burning of Ravana’s effigy on Vijaya Dashami, followed by Bharat Milap the next day, Kanodia said.
“Ram Lila is a tradition deeply connected with Nepalgunj’s culture and identity,” he said. “It keeps religious faith alive and connects the younger generation with their cultural heritage and traditions.”
Established as an important part of Nepalgunj’s religious and cultural identity, the event attracts visitors from various parts of Nepal as well as Indian cities.
Nanda Lal Vaishya, a member of the organising committee who is actively involved in religious and cultural activities in Nepalgunj, said Ram Lila had strengthened the religious, social and cultural ties between the border city and various parts of India. It had also promoted mutual harmony and tolerance among different communities.
According to him, Nepalgunj’s Ram Lila is not merely a religious event but also a cultural heritage passed down through generations. Local residents, organisers and concerned institutions have been working together to preserve and continue the tradition.
With its long history, Ram Lila has helped sustain religious faith while reflecting the city’s vibrant cultural life and social unity. Stakeholders said the tradition, which has now reached its 159th edition, needed to be preserved and passed on to younger generations.
Social leader Krishna Prasad Shrestha of Nepalgunj said the Ram Lila organised during Dashain had helped preserve local religious and cultural traditions while further strengthening cultural ties between Nepal and India.
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