Across India’s temples, courtyards, and community grounds, sacred performances blend myth, ritual, and art into a form of theatre that transcends entertainment. These ritual theatres, passed down through generations, are living expressions of collective identity and devotion. Recognized globally by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), they reflect not only India’s artistic richness but also its enduring spiritual and social fabric.
Understanding Ritual Theatre and Intangible Cultural Heritage
- Ritual theatre merges sacred ritual with dramatic expression. Performed during festivals and religious ceremonies, it involves acting, singing, music, dance, and narration, often enhanced with puppetry or pantomime.
- But more than performance, it is a community-based spiritual practice, shaping ethical, aesthetic, and social values.
- UNESCO’s ICH framework defines such traditions as both traditional and evolving, offering continuity, identity, and cohesion.
- India currently has 15 elements on UNESCO’s ICH Representative List, with ritual theatres playing a vital role.
India’s Ritual Theatres on the ICH List
- UNESCO has recognized Kutiyattam, Mudiyettu, Ramman, and Ramlila for their cultural depth, community participation, and transmission of values.
Kutiyattam: Sanskrit Theatre from Kerala
Kutiyattam, over 2,000 years old, is India’s oldest surviving classical theatre, combining Sanskrit drama with Kerala’s temple traditions. Performed in Kuttampalams (temple theatres), it features precise eye and hand expressions (neta and hasta abhinaya), elaborate make-up, and performances that can last up to 40 days.
- Divine storytelling: Adapts mythological tales from Sanskrit texts.
- Sacred space: Staged inside temple halls with ritual symbolism.
- Community participation: Maintained through temple patronage and local support.
- Transmission of values: Requires 10–15 years of training under the guru-shishya system.
- Fusion of forms: Integrates gesture, music, recitation, and stylized drama.
Mudiyettu: Kali’s Battle in Kerala
Mudiyettu is a vibrant dance-drama ritual in Kerala, portraying the mythic battle between Goddess Kali and demon Darika. Performed after the harvest in Bhagavati Kavus (temples), it involves the entire village community across castes.
- Divine storytelling: Symbolizes divine justice and protection.
- Sacred space: Performed after drawing the kalam (ritual image) of Kali.
- Community participation: Everyone contributes—mask-makers, dancers, musicians.
- Transmission: Passed orally through apprenticeships.
- Fusion: Combines dance, music, mask-making, painting, and drama.
Ramman: Festival Theatre of Uttarakhand
Celebrated in Saloor-Dungra villages, Ramman honours the local deity Bhumiyal Devta through masked dances, epics, songs, and ritual performances each April. Every caste and group has defined roles, from priests to performers.
- Divine storytelling: Recites Ramayana episodes and local legends.
- Sacred space: Performed in temple courtyards.
- Community participation: Villagers fund, perform, and preserve the tradition.
- Transmission: Learnt by observation, oral tradition, and mentorship.
- Fusion: Blends folk music, storytelling, dance, and craft.
Ramlila: Dramatic Retelling of the Ramayana
Ramlila, meaning “Rama’s play”, is performed widely during Dussehra in northern India, re-enacting Lord Rama’s life. Based on Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, the plays last from 10 days to a full month, with major performances in Ayodhya, Ramnagar, and Varanasi.
- Divine storytelling: Narrates the Ramayana with devotion and drama.
- Sacred space: Performed in open grounds, temple premises, and village squares.
- Community participation: Amateur actors and local organizers lead the effort.
- Transmission: Annual repetition fosters intergenerational learning.
- Fusion: Includes music, dialogue, costumes, and staging.
Preserving Ritual Theatres: Role of Sangeet Natak Akademi
Established in 1953, the Sangeet Natak Akademi is India’s top institution for performing arts. It plays a key role in safeguarding ritual theatres.
- Documentation: Archives performances and practices through recordings and publications.
- Training: Supports guru-shishya parampara, workshops, and skill-building camps.
- Recognition: Awards such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Yuva Puraskar honour master performers.
- Festivals: Hosts national and regional events to showcase ICH traditions.
- Collaboration: Works with UNESCO and state governments for safeguarding and funding.
- Support schemes: Offers grants and stipends for costumes, instruments, and performances.