THE High Commission of India in Guyana and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in Georgetown, on Thursday, hosted the traditional performance of Ramleela and Dussehra Celebrations 2025, retelling the story of a great Indian epic, The Ramayana.

In attendance at the event which was held at the SVCC were High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. Amit Telang and Guyana’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance of Guyana, Gail Teixeira.

The festival of Vijayadashmi or Dussehra is celebrated by Hindus on October 2 and marks the culmination of Navratri and Durga Puja. It is celebrated to remember Lord Ram’s victory over Ravana, marking the epic triumph of good over evil.

The observance of this great festival in Guyana brought The Ramayana to life through the powerful storytelling tradition of Ramleela. Ramleela (meaning Rama’s Play), tells the story of Lord Rama, the Prince of Ayodhya, his journey of love, sacrifice, duty and the eternal victory of good over evil, light over darkness and righteousness over injustice.

It was mentioned that this ancient tradition is deeply rooted in Indian culture and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across northern India during the Dussehra festival.

In 2005, Ramleela was recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

The performance compiled song, narration, dance, and dialogue in a beautiful harmony of art and devotion.

Sharing brief remarks at the celebrations, Dr. Telang said Ramleela is a community exercise, and not necessarily a religious discourse alone. In northern India, these performances are done by groups of persons who make their own props and create their own dialogues.

He explained that Ramleela is not new to this region or to Guyana, stating, “The tradition of Ramlila in the Caribbean also goes long back because of the shared cultural heritage between our two countries.”

Dr. Telang underscored that this longstanding tradition is an endeavour of bringing people together, showcasing something that is not only Indian heritage but what belongs to all of humanity.