Ferozepur, October 18, 2026 (Vikkram Ditya Sharma)
Ferozepur’s century-old live Ram Lila continues to draw audiences in an era dominated by digital entertainment, with generations of artists keeping the Ramayana alive through stage performances. For several families, the annual production is more than a religious event; it is a legacy sustained by faith, dedication and a deep connection with the art.
Organised by the Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha in the cantonment area, the Ram Lila has a history spanning more than 100 years. One family is now in its fourth generation of involvement, while a veteran artist continues to serve the tradition despite losing sight in one eye during a performance decades ago.
For 46-year-old Gagan Aggarwal, Ram Lila is a family inheritance. His great-grandfather, Seth Nagarmal Aggarwal, and grandfather, Bhimsen Aggarwal, served as directors, while his father, Vinod Aggarwal, played several characters, including Bharat, Dashrath, Janak and Kaikeyi.
Gagan has spent the past 19 years working as a co-director and actor. He recalls preparations beginning a month before the performances, with the entire family contributing. His great-grandmother, Mishri Devi, grandmother, Kaushalya, and mother, Saroj, would prepare meals for the artists after each show.
“For us, Ram Lila is not just about performing on stage. It is about carrying forward the legacy of our ancestors and keeping the next generation connected with this tradition,” Gagan said.
The commitment is equally evident in the journey of 78-year-old Radhe Mohan Sharma, who began acting in Ram Lila in 1962 at the age of 13. He later retired from the Railways as a section officer.
In 1980, while portraying Lakshman during the Meghnad sequence, an arrow struck his eye instead of his abdomen, permanently costing him the vision in one eye. The injury did not end his association with Ram Lila. Sharma went on to serve as a director for nearly four decades, continuing his involvement despite the setback.
Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha president Bal Krishna Mittal said thousands of people attend the performances each year. In earlier years, spectators would arrive as early as 6 pm with blankets to reserve places because seating space was limited. Today, audiences generally arrive around 8.30 pm, often with children, and stay until the performances conclude.
Despite changing entertainment habits, Ferozepur’s live Ram Lila remains a link between generations, preserving the Ramayana through community participation and the dedication of families committed to keeping the tradition alive.
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