Katra Ramleela's Fifth Day Features Sita Swayamvar, Ravana-Banasur Dialogue

The fifth day of the Ramleela programme being staged in the town of Katra, Shravasti, began with an aarti of Lord Shri Ram and his brother Lakshman ji. After the aarti, the episodes of Dhanush Yagya, the dialogue between Ravana and Banasur, and the dialogue between Lakshman and Parshuram were presented before the audience.

The programme then moved to the Sita Swayamvar held in the royal court of Janakpur. Kings and rulers from different countries and lands had been invited to the event. After hearing Raja Janak’s message, all the kings tried to break the bow and showed their strength, but their attempts were unsuccessful.

Ravana, the king of Lanka, became angry after he did not receive an invitation from Raja Janak and reached the Sita Swayamvar. When Banasur asked Ravana to introduce himself in the assembly, Ravana became even more angry. This led to a forceful dialogue between Ravana and Banasur, which was presented on stage.

After the kings failed to break the bow, Raja Janak became deeply distressed. While lamenting, he said that perhaps the earth had become free of brave warriors and questioned who would now marry Sita. Hearing this, Lakshman ji became angry.

Lakshman ji told Raja Janak that he perhaps did not know that Lord Shri Ram, belonging to the Suryavanshi and Raghuvanshi lineages, was seated in his assembly. He said that Janak’s words were an insult to their Suryavansh, something they would not accept.

Lord Shri Ram later explained the situation to Lakshman ji and calmed him. After receiving the permission of Guru Vishwamitra ji, Lord Shri Ram placed the string on the Shiv Dhanush and broke it instantly. The gods in Devlok showered flowers and offered their blessings.

Following the breaking of the bow, Mata Sita placed a varmala around Lord Shri Ram’s neck. The people continued raising slogans of “Sitaram ji” for a long time. The scene of the bow ceremony was presented as a major part of the Ramleela programme.

After the Dhanush Yagya, Parshuram reached the court of Raja Janak. On seeing that the Shiv Dhanush had been broken, he became extremely angry and asked Raja Janak, “बता जल्दी जनक राजा ये शिव धनु तोड़ने हारा।” When Parshuram began speaking harshly about Lord Ram, Lakshman could not remain silent. He made fun of Parshuram and began replying to him with sharp words.

The dialogue between Lakshman and Parshuram highlighted decorum, anger, restraint and bravery. Lord Shri Ram later calmed Lakshman ji’s anger. Lord Ram then told Parshuram, “नाथ शंभु धनु भंजन हारा होईही कोई इक दास तुम्हारा।”

A heated exchange followed between Parshuram and Lakshman. During the conversation, Parshuram recognised Lord Ram. He handed over his bow to Lord Ram and left for the Himalayas.