Dussehra Celebrations: Russia Prepares to Celebrate Lord Ram’s Return to Ayodhya
Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Ayodhya’s Deepotsav and Ramlila Gain International Recognition
Russian Artists Embrace Ram Bhakti, Showcasing a Blend of Indian and Russian Cultures Through Ramlila
Lucknow, October 2026 : The joy of celebrating Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya and the festive spirit of Deepotsav are no longer confined to the banks of the Saryu. The echoes of the Ramayana are set to resonate in Moscow, the capital of Russia, where preparations are underway for a Ramlila performance coinciding with the celebrations surrounding Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya.
A team of 16 Russian artists is preparing to bring characters from the Ramayana to life on stage. A special feature of the production is that costumes for the mythological characters have been purchased from Delhi’s Chandni Chowk and transported to Russia. The combination of Indian traditions, the story of Lord Ram and the participation of Russian performers is further extending Ayodhya’s cultural heritage to an international audience.
Under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Ayodhya’s Deepotsav celebrations and Ramlila performances have gained considerable international attention. Dr Ramashwar Singh, producer and director of the Moscow Ramlila, said the grandeur and reach of Ramlila had expanded significantly on the international stage since Yogi Adityanath became Chief Minister.
He said performances by Russian artists help strengthen relations between India and Russia. The Moscow production is therefore not merely a cultural presentation but also an opportunity for the two countries to exchange traditions and artistic expressions.
Cultural Journey Began in Ayodhya in 2018
An important milestone in the cultural association between Russian performers and Ayodhya was reached in November 2018, when Russia’s Disha Ramlila was staged in Ayodhya for the first time.
The performance established a significant connection between Russian artists interpreting the Ramayana and the cultural atmosphere of the holy city. Its distinctive feature was the presentation of the story of Lord Ram by performers from another country.
In January 2019, Disha Ramlila was staged at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. The participation of Russian artists in one of India’s largest religious and cultural gatherings added another dimension to the initiative, creating an opportunity for dialogue between Indian religious traditions and international theatrical expression.
Russian Artists Develop a Lasting Bond with Deepotsav
The performances of Disha Ramlila have also become associated with Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya. The festival commemorates Lord Ram’s return to the city and is among the most prominent celebrations linked to the Ramayana tradition.
Russian artists’ participation in these events has helped promote cultural exchange between India and Russia, while introducing international performers and audiences to the traditions associated with Lord Ram.
Ramayana as a Bridge Between Cultures
Ramlila is deeply rooted in Indian society, literature and religious traditions, but its appeal extends beyond geographical boundaries. When performers from other countries portray characters from the Ramayana, they gain an opportunity to engage with Indian literature, cultural traditions and theatrical practices.
According to Dr Ramashwar Singh, such performances strengthen bilateral relations by bringing people together through shared artistic experiences. The Moscow production brings together Ayodhya’s cultural identity and the enthusiasm of Russian performers, turning Ramlila into a medium of cultural dialogue.
Disha Ramlila also carries forward the legacy of the celebrated Russian theatre artist Gennadi Mikhailovich Pechnikov, affectionately known as “Russian Ram”. His contribution to popularising Ramlila among Russian audiences is regarded as an important chapter in the cultural relationship between the two countries.
Russian Artists to Portray Ramayana Characters
The 16-member Russian team will portray the principal characters and groups from the Ramayana.
The cast includes Alexei as Ram, Dasha as Sita, Oleg as Lakshman, Dmitry as Hanuman, Evgeny as Bharat, Sergei as Ravan, Artyom as Dasharath, Rati as Kaushalya, Natalia as Sumitra, Irina as Kaikeyi, Vasily as Janak and Rita as the golden deer. Misha and Nadezhda are also part of the team, alongside performers portraying the demon army and the vanara army.
Through their performance, the Russian artists are set to bring the timeless story of Lord Ram to audiences in Moscow, demonstrating how cultural traditions can transcend national boundaries and build stronger connections between people.
