For 50 Years Muslims Played Ram, Sita And Lakshman In This Ramlila, But Now They Are Banned From Playing Lead Roles

For 50-odd years, Mumtaznagar Ramlila here has exemplified inter-community goodwill. Held in a Muslim neighbourhood, this Ramlila has been managed and largely enacted by Muslims. For two years, however, Muslims have been barred from playing main characters like Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman. The reason: they eat meat.

Reuters

"Some local people objected to Muslims performing lead roles in Ramlila," said Majid Ali, president of the Ramlila committee.

"Their objection was that since Muslims eat meat, they shouldn't enact the role of gods. When we came to know about the objections, we eased them out," Ali adds.

Baldhari Yadav, a senior member of the Mumtaznagar Ramlila committee, said women spectators worship the actors playing Lord Ram, Lakhsman, Sita and other gods by touching their feet and seeking their blessings. Keeping in view their religiosity, Muslims who eat meat have been replaced by Hindus who, even if they are meat-eaters, turn vegetarians during Navratra. "But Muslims continue to play smaller parts," Yadav said.

The Ramlila here has sustained the same zeal since 1963. Tailor Naseem, with his limited income, starts taking extra orders before Navratra to fund the 10-day affair. He is supported by other Muslims.

(Originally published in The Times of India; Cover image courtesy Hindustan Times)