Historic 'Purani Dashmi' Ramlila fading away

Mirzapur, Oct 17: The Century-old 'Purani Dashmi' Ramlila of Poorvanchal is fast losing its charm due to the lackadaisical attitude of administration.

Very few are aware of the fact that the renowned Ram Nagar Ramlila of Varanasi was inspired from the 'Purani Dashmi' Ramlila itself.

Before being termed 'Purani Dashmi,' the area was known as Dograulli and Kangali.

The Ram Nagar Ramlila in Varanasi was started by the then ruler Udit Narayan Singh after his son, who was severly ill, got well by the blessings he received from the 'Purani Dashmi' Ramlila.

Now, the things have changed...the histroic Ramlila of this district is losing its charm due to the ignorance on the part of administration and tourist depratment.

An elderly local Ram Yash Tiwari said '' lakhs of people thronged every year in the district to see the Ramlila. Even, Maharaja Udit Narayan Singh of Varanasi visited the place.'' ''But now, it's just the opposite,'' he regretted.

Another resident Deena Nath Yadav said '' Besides the fact that there are several Ramlila and Durga Puja committees, once on the optimum the 'Purani Dashmi' Ramlila is in a pitiable condition.'' ''There is no electricity, no security at the Ramlila Sthal. Only a heap of garbage can be seen here.'' The 'Purani Dashmi' Ramlila would only be lost in the pages of history, if not given attention, he added.

UNI