Festival of Ramkatha - 12th - 15th March, 2008
Ram Katha in Garhwal
Sita Haran, Pauri, Garhwal
Pauri Ramlila : This is one of the oldest Ramlilas in the region, first performed on stage in 1897. Though based on the Ramcharitmanas of Tulsi Das, the performance has a unique and distinct local flavour to it. It typically begins by invoking the local deity kandolia for a successful and obstacle free performance. This Ramlila is a musical drama, which uses classical ragas such as Bageshwari, Bihag, Desh, Darbari, Malkons and so on. Besides the classical ragas, local rag-raginis and folk songs find place in the performance Dohas and Chaupais from Ramcharitmanas add variety to the musical repertoire.
Ram Varta in Dhol-damaun : Ram Varta or Ramman is one of the oldest singing tradition in Garhwal. The main attraction of this style is the Dhol-damaun - two musical drums, one big and one small. The drummers are called auji. Ram Katha on Dhol damaun is similar to the Pandavvani style of singing in the region. The singing of Ram Varta is accompanied by group dancing. The basic beats (shabad) in Dhol-damaun are 14 and their various combinations create a unique aesthetic experience.
