Why in news?
India’s Ramman festival returned to the spotlight after the President of India was presented with a traditional Ramman mask during a cultural exchange. The gesture drew attention to this unique ritual‑theatre from Uttarakhand, recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
Background
The Ramman festival is celebrated each April in the twin villages of Saloor and Dungra in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Bhūmiyal Devta, the local guardian of the land, it combines recitation of the Ramayana, masked dances and community rituals. Men wearing brightly coloured masks depict characters such as Rama, Sita, Ravana and Hanuman, while others portray nature spirits and animals. Performances begin with prayers to Ganesha and the Sun, followed by episodes from the epic adapted to local folklore.
Tradition and rituals
- Caste‑based roles: Each caste group in the community has a predetermined responsibility. Brahmin priests recite mantras and narrate the Ram katha, Rajput men enact costumed dramas, and lower‑caste artisans play musical instruments and prepare masks.
- Masked performances: Dancers wear 18 types of handmade masks representing gods, demons and animals. Masks are carved from deodar wood and painted in vivid colours. The expressions and movements reflect the character’s traits.
- Song and storytelling: Besides the Ramayana scenes, singers perform Jagar – ritual singing that invokes local deities and ancestral spirits. Episodes from regional history and legends are woven into the narrative.
- Communal feast: Villagers contribute grain and livestock to prepare a feast for participants and guests. Seeds offered to the deity are later taken home and sown in fields as a symbol of blessings for the harvest.
UNESCO recognition and significance
- Intangible heritage: In 2009 UNESCO inscribed the Ramman festival on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The listing acknowledges the festival’s role in preserving oral traditions, ritual masks and community identity.
- Community cohesion: The festival binds the villages together. Participation is based on reciprocity and voluntary service, reinforcing social bonds and respect for traditional knowledge.
- Eco‑spiritual values: Many dances and songs honour local deities associated with forests, rivers and agriculture, emphasising harmony with nature. The careful use of resources, including sustainable wood for masks and shared feasting, reflects environmental awareness.
Source: Indian Express, UNESCO Intangible Heritage