It is a popular folk theatre in the region of Uttar Pradesh. It is an enactment of Ram
ayana using songs, dances and dialogues, mainly during the period before Dussehra. It is generally performed by male actors, who do the role of Sita as well. The play is staged annually over ten or more successive nights, during the auspicious period of “Sharad Navaratras”.
Another unique Ramlila is being staged since 1972, at Bakshi ka Talab near Lucknow, where lead characters like Rama, Lakshman and Hanuman are played by Muslim youths, a clear departure in a region known for communal flare-ups. This play has also been adapted into a radio play, ‘ Us gaon ki Ramlila’ to promote communal harmony among the masses.