Ritual theatres are performance forms combining sacred rituals and dramatic expression, typically performed in temples or community spaces. These performances are deeply embedded in religious festivals, collective memory, and cultural identity. UNESCO recognises several Indian ritual theatre forms as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), underscoring their global significance.
Ritual Theatres
- Ritual theatres blend acting, singing, dance, music, dialogue, narration, and recitation. Some also include puppetry or pantomime.
- They serve not only as artistic performances but also as vehicles for social cohesion, cultural continuity, and ethical values.
- Currently, 15 Indian elements are on UNESCO’s Representative List of ICH.
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Domains
- Oral Traditions & Expressions
- Performing Arts
- Social Practices, Rituals & Festive Events
- Knowledge & Practices Concerning Nature & the Universe
- Traditional Craftsmanship
Indian Ritual Theatres Inscribed by UNESCO
Kutiyattam (Kerala)
- Age: Over 2,000 years old; one of India’s oldest surviving theatre traditions.
- Features: Combines Sanskrit classicism with Kerala’s local traditions; uses neta abhinaya (eye expressions) and hasta abhinaya (hand gestures).
- Training: 10–15 years to master subtle expressions, breath control, and performance techniques.
- Performance Duration: Single episode may last days; full performances can extend up to 40 days.
- Venue: Kuttampalams (temple theatres).
- Key Aspects:
- Divine storytelling from Sanskrit drama.
- Community participation in maintenance and ritual support.
- Transmission of knowledge via guru-shishya parampara.
- Fusion of theatre, music, recitation, and stylised acting.
Mudiyettu (Kerala)
- Theme: Mythological battle between Goddess Kali and demon Darika.
- Venue: Bhagavati Kavus after the harvest.
- Community Involvement: Entire village participates; caste-based contribution of roles, masks, costumes, and rituals.
- Key Aspects:
- Sacred drawing of kalam (ritual artwork).
- Transmission of ritual knowledge across generations.
- Fusion of dance, music, ritual drawing, masks, and drama.
Ramman (Uttarakhand)
- Location: Twin villages of Saloor-Dungra, Garhwal Himalayas.
- Timing: Annually in late April.
- Theme: Devotion to Bhumiyal Devta; includes Ramayana recitations, masked dances, songs, and rituals.
- Instruments: Dhol, Damau, Manjira, Jhanjhar, Bhankora.
- Key Aspects:
- Village-wide participation with caste-based roles.
- Oral transmission of songs, chants, dances, and ritual knowledge.
- Fusion of theatre, music, ritual performance, and mask craft.
Ramlila (Northern India)
- Theme: Dramatization of the Ramayana, largely based on Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas
- Venue: Temple grounds, public squares, open courtyards; staged during Dussehra.
- Duration: Typically 10–12 days; month-long performances in Ramnagar and other towns.
- Community Role: Local participation in acting, organizing, funding, and performing.
- Key Aspects:
- Annual enactment embeds values of devotion, righteousness, and cultural memory.
- Fusion of narrative drama, music, choreography, dialogue, costumes, and stagecraft.
Role of Sangeet Natak Akademi
- Established: 1953; apex body for performing arts in India.
- Functions:
- Documentation and archiving of ICH through recordings and publications.
- Training & capacity building via guru-shishya parampara, workshops, and apprenticeships.
- Awards and recognition for living legends and young performers.
- Research and publication of books, journals, and monographs on ritual theatre.
- Organizing national and regional festivals to showcase ICH forms.
- Collaboration with UNESCO and state governments for protection and recognition.
- Provision of stipends, grants, and infrastructure support to artistes.
Significance
- Ritual theatres are living cultural heritage, providing continuity of artistic, ethical, and social values.
- They strengthen community participation, sacred practices, and intergenerational knowledge transmission.
- Showcase India’s cultural diversity and intangible heritage to the world.
- Ensure preservation of rituals, myths, and performing arts as a sustainable tradition.