The Ramleela is being organised by the Shaheedan Ramleela Club Dhalot, which has continued its activities for the past 26 years under the leadership of Bishan Singh Dardi, a noted Dogri writer and poet. Dardi received the Sahitya Akademi’s Bal Sahitya Puraskar in 2024 for his contribution to children’s literature.
Ramleela Club Established in Memory of Kargil Martyrs
Speaking to DD News, Dardi said the club was established in 2000 in memory of three young men from his village, Kaloa, who were martyred on the same day during the Kargil War.
To honour their sacrifice and preserve their memory for future generations, the organisation was named Shaheedan Ramleela Club Dhalot. Over the years, the club has served as a platform for cultural activities and community participation, keeping the tradition of Ramleela alive in the area.
The decision to stage the epic in Dogri adds a new dimension to this longstanding initiative, linking the region’s cultural traditions with the language and identity of its people.
Promoting Dogri Language Through Theatre
Ramleela performances traditionally narrate episodes from the life of Lord Rama, highlighting values such as truth, duty, courage and the triumph of good over evil.
Presenting the story in Dogri offers local audiences an opportunity to experience these teachings in a familiar linguistic and cultural setting. It also helps promote the regional language among younger generations and encourages greater appreciation of Jammu’s literary and performing arts traditions.
The initiative has drawn attention to the importance of using local languages in cultural performances, ensuring that traditional art forms remain relevant and connected to their communities.
A Blend of Cultural Heritage and Patriotism
The performance in Dhallot carries a special significance because of the club’s origins in remembrance of the Kargil War martyrs. By combining a traditional cultural event with a tribute to the fallen soldiers, the organisers have reinforced the connection between community heritage and the memory of those who served the nation.
The Dogri Ramleela stands as an example of how grassroots cultural initiatives can help preserve regional languages, strengthen community bonds and pass traditions on to future generations.
For Samba district and the wider Dogra community, the initiative marks an important step towards bringing local language, literature and performance traditions into the spotlight.