Lucknow, October 14, 2013: With inflation at an all time high and source of funds depleting, fund-crisis is threatening the arrangement of Ramleelas. With depleting source of funding, the 

majority of city-based Ramleela committees are struggling for survival. The committees have been compelled to cut corners to continue the old-age tradition. Some have cut down on the total number of days while others have saved on elaborates sets, makeup and lighting. 

The organizers of the committee say that every year, the expenses go up by around 20-25%. The 76-year-old Sri Public Bal Ramleela Samiti in Chowk is doubly weighed down by rising costs and dropping donations. General secretary of samiti Raj Kumar Verma said, "If the staging of Ramleela is stopped because of funds-crisis then it would not be able to start again and the old-age tradition will die." He added, "The samiti has compromised on the quality and height of pandal, lighting and makeup of artistsMost of the weapons had broken down but we manage some how. Even we repeat the attire of artists every year." 

Similarly, Shri Ramleela Evam Dussehra Committee, LDA colony which has entered 26th year, is experiencing tough time. Unlike a grand affair of 10 days, this time, committee is organizing the play for four days. "Earlier we were able to organize lavish ramleela only for Rs 5,000 but now even two lakh is not enough. Over the years, the expenses have spiraled but the donation has not increased more than 10%," said Ram Nath Shukla, general secretary of the committee. He added that already majority of youth is influenced with western culture. To keep India's culture alive, they have to continue the custom in any way. 

Endorsing similar views, assisting director of Mahanagar Ramleela Samiti, Mahendra Pant said, "In today's time, to draw big crowd for Ramleela is only possible by using latest techniques. The new generation has lost interest and to lure them, one needs big budget.Though we indulge in door to door collection, the economic problem still persists. Even in the past five years, many committees have stopped staging the play because of fund crisis." 

Similar is the case with Ramleela celebrations in Bakshi ka Talaab (BKT), a symbol of communal amity. "We have cut down the number of days of Ramleela celebration from four to three. As we do not receive any financial aid from government, it has become difficult to manage the expenses. Apart from Ramleela, Lord Shiva's baraat, orchestra and several streetplays giving moral values are organized. Due to its popularity, people from 600 villages come to watch the play on the day of Ravan-dehan (third day). We are facing trouble in making proper arrangements for such a large number of villagers," said Mansoor Ahmad Khan, patron of BKT Ramleela Samiti. 

Earlier, the Gram Pradhan used to generate funds for staging Ramleela through villagers who used to put up their kiosk in the festival. After 13 gram panchayats in Bakshi Ka Talaab tehsil became a part of Lucknow city in 2010, the BKT Ramleela Samiti is unable to meet the rising expenditure of the Ramleela.

Source: The Times of India, October 14, 2013