Diwali celebrations are well underway, and Leicester’s Hindu community has already started celebrating ahead of next week’s festivities. The Peepul Centre in Belgrave hosted a production of the ‘enchanting’ Diwali Tree – which details the most intricate details of the well known story of Rama and Sita, two of the most prominent figures in the Hindu religion.
But this time, the play honed in on the importance of Sanjeevani plant – a significant herb with healing powers. Rama and Sita were captured by Ravana (a ten-headed demon) and a battle between Ravana and Rama, Rama’s brother Lakshaman got hurt. Vishiban, Ravana’s brother decided to help Rama and told him about the Sanjeevani plant in the Himalayas which will revive Lakshman.
Hindu God Hanuman intervened by using the plant as a medicine, reviving Lakshman. While the story is one of good overcoming evil, playwright Anil Bhanot said that not many know about the inner details on the Sanjeevani plant.
Anil Bhanot originally wrote the play in 2018, and it was first performed in 2019 but made its comeback on Saturday (October 15). There were more than 300 keen audience members, and the cast age ranged between six and 17.
Anil said: “Children love the Christmas tree, so I thought about the tree that is significant to us as Hindu’s. The play was to bring awareness of our scriptures and its enchanting and magical nature and the show is also a message about the environment and the fact that if we look after the earth and plants, the plants also look after us, providing us with medicine.
“It was fun for the children and we implemented Sufi song by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, “Sanson Ki Mala Pe” at the end to show that the play was for all communities to come together and enjoy.”
(BY:Sali Shobowale @ leicestermercury.co.uk)The title of the story has been changed.
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Very good initiative and should be performed in other cities too