Four generations keep Ferozepur’s century-old live Ram Lila tradition alive

Ferozepur, October 18, 2026: In an age dominated by digital entertainment, Ferozepur’s century-old live Ram Lila continues to hold its ground, with artists bringing the Ramayana to life through performances on stage rather than screens. For several families, the annual event is more than a religious tradition — it is a legacy passed down through generations, sustained by faith, dedication and a deep emotional bond with the art.
Organised by Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha, a religious society in the cantonment area, the Ram Lila has a history spanning more than 100 years. While one family is now into its fourth generation of involvement, a veteran artist continues to serve the tradition despite losing the vision in one eye during a performance decades ago.
For Gagan Aggarwal (46), Ram Lila is a family inheritance. Four generations of his family have contributed to its acting and direction. His great-grandfather, Seth Nagarmal Aggarwal, and grandfather, Bhimsen Aggarwal, served as directors, while his father, Vinod Aggarwal, portrayed characters such as Bharat, Dashrath, Janak and Kaikeyi.
Gagan has been associated with the production for the past 19 years as a co-director and actor. He recalls that preparations would begin a month before the performances, with the entire family pitching in. His great-grandmother, Mishri Devi, grandmother, Kaushalya, and mother, Saroj, would prepare meals for the artists after the performances.
“For us, Ram Lila is not just about performing on stage. It is about carrying forward the legacy of our ancestors and keeping the next generation connected with this tradition,” says Gagan.
The story of Radhe Mohan Sharma (78) reflects a similar commitment. He began acting in Ram Lila in 1962, at the age of 13, and later retired from the Railways as a section officer.
In 1980, while playing Lakshman, an arrow during the Meghnad sequence struck his eye instead of his abdomen, permanently costing him the vision in one eye. The accident, however, did not end his association with Ram Lila. He has continued to serve as a director for nearly four decades, remaining devoted to the tradition despite the personal loss.
Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha president Bal Krishna Mittal says thousands of people come to watch the performances every year. Recalling the earlier days, he says spectators would arrive as early as 6 pm with blankets to reserve their places because of limited space. The audience now generally arrives around 8.30 pm, with families bringing their children and staying until the performance ends.
Over the years, entertainment choices and audience habits have changed, but the appeal of live Ram Lila remains intact. At a time when stories can be watched on screens, Ferozepur’s traditional stage continues to bring the Ramayana to life through live performances and the dedication of artists and families determined to preserve this cultural heritage.