The ten-day Ramleela is an elaborate affair, especially in Northern India. The festival narrates the story of Lord Rama, and culminates in Dussehra, where Ravana is killed.
But if you want to see a grand prelude to Ramleela head to Agra, where every year the Janakpuri (the palace for Ram and Sita’s wedding) is north India’s biggest, and possibly the most expensive.
Welcome to the Wedding
Each year, a new locality in Agra is chosen and decorated as Janakpuri. This year’s ‘Ram Barat’ was held in Kamla Nagar, from September 26-28. The tradition is said to be more than 125 years old.
Dressing up the Lords
The Goddess’ henna-dyed hands.
Friends of Ram being adorned with headgear for Ram Barat 2016.
The royal crown being fixed. It’s a complicated process where each part of the 3-piece headgear is tied individually.
The Baraatis are ready.
And we’re back on the streets leading to the wedding venue. Revellers join in from nearby areas with all major institutions giving a half-day off for the third, and final day of Janakpuri.
What the York!
Statue of “Agni-devta”? That’s what we heard from devotees, who claimed the statue is of the Sun God. Well, it’s the liberty of belief.
The stage is set. The local Samajwadi Party leader, Kundanika Sharma told The Quint that the budget for this year’s event is around Rs 17 crore. Let that sink in.
Here’s the grand palace of Raja Janak, where Lord Rama visits to wed Sita.
Here’s a closer look.
Finishing touches for Lord Rama, before he graces the throne.
And the Gods take the seat.
But... there seems to something definitely irritating with the headgear. At 7-8 kilograms, it’s the weight of the headgear most probably.
Some more adjustment.
And... a little more.
Mantri ji, Shivpal Yadav, was also there. Yadav is a prominent Samajwadi Party leader.
Yadav performed the grand aarti of the Ram Barat 2016.
And he was there, probably for a reason. Which is...
...the event is said to attract ‘15 lakh visitors’ in three days. A win-win situation with the voters? Well, 2017 will tell.
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