Decades-Old Hindu-Muslim Unity Shines in Lucknow's Ramlila

The three-day Ramlila at Bakshi Ka Talab (BKT) in Lucknow, which is a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity, began on Friday, October 1st, 2025. The event features the staging of scenes from the birth of Lord Ram and his brothers, their upbringing, and Sita's swayamwar.

This Ramlila tradition was started in 1972 by two friends, Maiku Lal Yadav, a farmer, and Muzaffar Hussain, a doctor. After their passing in the mid-1980s, the responsibility of organizing the event was taken over by Sabir Khan, a local farmer who also worked as an artist in the Ramlila. Khan, who was 14 years old when he started acting in the Ramlila, says his parents and family have supported him in preserving the Ganga-Jamuni culture.

The roles of Lord Ram, Lord Laxman, and Sita are played by Sahil Khan, Qais Ahmad, and Farhan Ali, respectively. Farhan, who has been playing Sita for the past five years, was initially hesitant due to having to dress like a woman, but his passion for acting and the public's support motivated him to take on the role. Similarly, 49-year-old artist Thakur Prasad Lodhi has been participating in the Ramlila for 20 years, often playing female characters such as Manthara, Kaikayi, Mandodari, Sita, and Surpanakha.