Udaipur, October 14: The enchanting city of Udaipur witnessed a remarkable display of devotion and emotion during the fifth day of the historic Ram Leela, organized by the Shri Ram Leela Samiti at the Nimbark College premises. The evening was marked by a blend of joy and sorrow as devotees celebrated the wedding of Lord Ram while simultaneously experiencing the heart-wrenching moment of his exile.
The festivities commenced at 6 PM from the renowned Asthal Temple, where the grand procession of Lord Ram was met with thunderous cheers of “Ram-Lakhan-Janki, Jai Bolo Hanuman Ki.” The streets resonated with the beats of drums and the traditional sounds of Rajasthan as devotees danced their way to the Ram Leela venue, welcomed warmly by local attendees.
In a traditional ceremony, Lord Ram was worshipped as the groom, and the atmosphere turned jubilant during the sacred wedding scene. Many devotees, with tear-filled eyes and immense reverence, offered their contributions during the Kanyadaan ceremony.
However, the joyous celebration took a poignant turn as the narrative shifted to the harsh decree of Queen Kaikeyi, King Dasharath’s reluctant promise, and Lord Ram’s 14-year exile. As Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman donned ascetic attire and prepared to leave Ayodhya, the heart-wrenching cries of King Dasharath and the lamentations of the citizens left the audience in stunned silence.
Under the guidance of Vedprakash Bhardwaj and Ghanshyam Sharma from the Vrindavan-based Pushtimargiya Shri Krishna Leela Sansthan, 40 artists delivered a powerful performance that evoked deep feelings of devotion, sorrow, and renunciation, enveloping the entire venue in a divine atmosphere.
In today’s tech-savvy world, the youth also embraced the occasion, capturing moments on their smartphones as the procession moved from Asthal Temple to Nimbark College. Many shared their experiences on social media, blending devotion with modernity.
Dharmnarayan Joshi, president of the Shri Ram Leela Samiti, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing that this ten-day Ram Leela is not only bringing joy to the residents but also enriching them with devotion. He noted that there is no entry fee or ticket required to attend the Ram Leela, inviting all devotees to participate.
The event also honored distinguished guests, including Swami Sudarshanacharya Maharaj and Colonel Anurag Mohan Bhatt, among others. Sudarshanacharya Maharaj remarked that Ram embodies not just humanity but also the essence of dharma and ideal conduct.
Looking ahead, Dr. Vijay Prakash Viplavi announced that the upcoming events on October 14 will feature the dialogue between Ram and Kevat, the death of Dasharath, and the reunion with Bharat, followed by further dramatic portrayals on October 15.