The recent London Ram Leela, held on 26th and 27th October 2024, was a remarkable celebration of the Ramayana, captivating audiences with its grand performances and vibrant atmosphere. Organized by Sutton Friends, the event took place at the Tolworth Recreation Centre and was attended in person and watched online by thousands from across London, showcasing the strong community spirit. The event was made possible due to the selfless hard work of dedicated volunteers who supported actors, makeup artists, costume designers, hall management, and backstage management.
Praveen Kumar led this extraordinary event, with unwavering support from Ashish Jain, Amol Chaudhary, Anup Kabra, Manish Sahal, Ashish Aggarwal, Abhinav Pathak, Manish Gupta, Sachin Shelke, and Bhavesh Jhaveri. Notably, all the talented performers who graced the stage were sourced from the local community, providing inspiration for those taking their first steps onto the stage.
The two-day event attracted dignitaries, highlighting strong community support. Among the esteemed guests were Kuldeep Shekhawat, President of Overseas Friends of BJP UK and Europe, Shashi Patel, Vice President, and Treasurer of the same organization.
Members of Parliament Bobby Dean (Carshalton), Luke Taylor (Sutton), and Virendra Sharma (Southall); Parveen Rani, Deputy Mayor of Hertsmere; Shri Ram Ambarakar, First Secretary at the Indian High Commission, London; and Ajay Kumar Thakur, Attaché (Coordination) at the Indian High Commission.
Day 1 featured the divine Narad Vivaah, the birth of Lord Ram, and the grandeur of Sita Swayamvar, highlighting the emotional dynamics between Dashrath and Kaikeyi.
Day 2 highlighted the dramatic Ravan Darbar, Sita’s abduction, and the fierce battles culminating in the epic confrontation between Lord Ram and Ravan, captivating the audience throughout.
In addition to the performances, the event successfully infused the Diwali spirit into London, featuring food stalls offering delectable Indian cuisine and shopping options for festival essentials. The organizers expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community, ensuring that this grand Indian event remains accessible to everyone.
Behind this monumental cultural extravaganza was the dedicated community group known as Sutton Friends, which comprises over three thousand Indian-origin families residing in and around Sutton. Operating under the banner of “Indian Friends of Sutton,” these individuals united with a shared commitment to celebrate their rich cultural heritage and to share it with the broader London community.
Highlights of London ki Ram Leela 2024:
- Live Theatrical Performance – A captivating performance of the Ramayana, blending traditional storytelling with contemporary staging.
- Cultural Performances – Classical and Bollywood dance routines, devotional music, and mesmerizing visual effects to bring the mythological tale to life.
- Diwali Festivities – Food stalls offering authentic Indian cuisine, a Diwali-themed market, and a grand fireworks display to conclude each evening.
Event Director’s Statement: “This year’s London ki Ram Leela is not just a theatrical show but a platform to connect communities, foster cultural understanding, and celebrate the spirit of Diwali. We are honored to have dignitaries and members of Parliament joining us, reinforcing the shared values of unity and compassion,” said Parveen Kumar.
Join us for an unforgettable celebration as we bring the story of Ramayana to London’s heart and celebrate the spirit of Diwali with family, friends, and a community united in culture.
The mega success of the London Ram Leela promises an even improved celebration in the future, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the Hindu community in the UK.
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This is probably first time I have seen such a momentous occasion reported in any India based news. Well done Eshadoot brining such interesting stories happening in our midst. Also congratulations to the performers and organisers in pulling off our legendary tale of Lord Rama highlighting specific important events. This will give a big boost to our third generation youngsters in the UK