Ram Baraat celebration in Ayodhya

Ayodhya (UP), Oct 3 (ANI): Ram Baraat or deity marriage - a part of the Ramleela celebrations, which is one of the biggest annual events in northern India, was taken out with fervour and gaiety in Ayodhya.

Hundreds of people took part in a Ram Baraat, which forms a part of Ramleela celebrations.

The entire path of the procession was elaborately decorated with lights. Religious songs were played in the background. The area was given a major face-lift for the occasion.

Children dressed as Lord Ram, his wife Sita, his four brothers and Hanuman sat on chariot during the procession. The procession started from the Kotha Parcha locality of the city.

The Sri Baal Ramleela Committee (Children Ramleela Committee) Kotha Parcha organised the event. The committee has been organising Ramleela for the past 35 years.

"We are taking out this holy wedding procession of Lord Ram. It will pass Fatehganj Chowk, Kasab Bara ...after crossing other places in the town would return to Kotha Parcha from where it started." Said Dhananjai Kausal, Organiser, Sri Baal (child) Ramleela Committee, Kotha Parcha.

Ramleela, is a famous play depicting the story of Hindu mythological epic Ramayan and is traditionally staged during the nine-day festival Navratri. The epic is staged throughout the year in Ayodhya.

The history of Ram Baraat is said to be around 125 years old, when Lala Kokamal, a cloth merchant, started the tradition of three-day festivities, revolving around the royal wedding. (ANI)