of Lilá is its aim, the cause of observing it.

As per Shrimadbhagwadgitá –
Jeevasya Yaha Samsarato Vimokshanam
Na Jánatonartha Vahachchhreerataha
Lilávatáraiha Swayasha Pradeepakam
Prájwálayatwá Tamaham Prapadye
“Lilá is meant for social welfare, the welfare of the human being, happiness
and prosperity for every one, an austerity for peace and euphoria. Lilá is not a drama.
Drama is meant to amuse you, unlike it, Lilá is a symbol, a synonym of faith and
devotion.” In this lecture we will discuss about the Lilá observed at Ramnagar, the
official residence of the Kashi Naresh (king of Kashi). The main difference of
attributes in the Chitrakoota Lilá and Ramnagar Lila is that the former is Jháñki Lilá
and latter is Ghatita Lilá. Jháñki means ‘glimpse’ and Ghatita means ‘happened’. The
Lilá of Ramnagar was started around the mid of the first quarter of the 1800s. It came
into royal retreat in the reign of Maharaja Udita Náráyana Singh in 1830. Lately, the
Navratna (nine jewels) of Maharaja Ishwari Náráyana Singh’s (son of Udita Narayan
Singh) court viz. Bhártendu Harishchandra, King of Reewáñ Raghurája Singh,
Káshtha Jivha Swami (ascetic with wooden tongue), Bábá Kharáb Dás and Pandit
Harihara Prasád ‘Prakásh’ gave it a modern form, in which, it is observed today. The
Lilásthalas (venues of Lilá) are scattered in an area of around 12.5 miles, and were
determined by Kashtha Jivha Swami. Pandit Harihar Prasád created the Mánas
Paricharyá Parishishta (serving appendix to Rámacharita Mánas), which can be
considered as the script of Lilá.
Lilá begins on Shrávana Krishna Chaturthi {4th of waning fortnight of
Shravana (Jul-Aug)} by Ganesha Pujan (worship of Ganesha) and selection of the
Swaroopas (the role players). The Swaroopas are named and given Varni (the
description of their role and dialogues). After that, on Bhádrapada Shukla Chaturthi
{4th of the waxing fortnight in Bhadrapada (aug-sep)}, in proper Muhurta (auspicious
position of the constellations) the Mánaspátha (recitation of Ramcharitmanas) is
started. The first day, seven Dohás (couplets) are narrated and Ganesha, Vádya
(musical instruments) and Swaroopas are worshiped. The Mánas Pátha starts with a
hymn of Ganesha, written by Tulsidás in his tract known as Vinay Patriká (The book
of entreaty) – Gáiye Ganapati Jag Vandan (Sing to praise Ganesha) and then
continues up to Bhádrapada Shukla Trayodashi (13th of the waxing fortnight in
Bhadrapada) and stops on the Lilá of Rávana Janma (birth of Rávana). On the very
next day, the Ananta Chaturdashi (Eternal Fourteenth, Ananta is also an epithet of
Vishnu, this festival is associated with him only), the Lilá begins. The first day ends
with Jháñki of Kshira Ságara (the sea of milk, residence of Vishnu). The 30 days
schedule of Lilá finalizes on Àshwina Poornimá {full moon day of Ashwina (sep-
oct)}. On the 31st day, the Swaroopas visit the Ramnagar Fort where they are
worshipped by the King, offered a feast and then seen-off by his execellency.
The Lilá begins daily sharp at 5.00 p.m. After 45 minutes a Sandhyá Vandana
Avakásha (evening worship break) occurs. During this break, the audiences are free to
wander the fair and tempt themselves. Some people perform the Mánas Pátha with the
saints, while some, sit near the Swaroopas. After the break, the Lilá starts in the light
of lanterns and gas lights, and Àrati is performed at the end. Many people come here
only to witness the Àrati. This Àrati is specialty of Ramnagar’s Ramlilá.
One salient feature is that the Pátha of the Bála Kánda (childhood chapter) is
not performed in front of the Swaroopas but, at a building near the crossing of
Ramnagar. After the Rájyábhisheka (coronation), the rest part of the Uttara Kánda
(Latter Chapter) is completed in front of the Swaroopas in Ayodhya Bhawan. The Lilá
is observed daily from 5 to 6 p.m. and after that from 7 to 10 p.m. but Bharat Milápa
is performed between 9 p.m. and 12.00 midnight. The Lilá of Rajgaddi