DODA, Sep 19: The historic Shri Ram Leela Club Doda Charitable Trust has begun extensive rehearsals for its annual Ramleela performances ahead of the upcoming Navratras, with the performances scheduled to commence from October 11, 2026, at the club’s traditional venue in the premises of Government City Middle School, Doda.
The ongoing rehearsals have witnessed enthusiastic participation from local artists and youth, who are preparing for the annual presentation of the Ramayana. The preparations reflect the continued popularity of Ramleela as an important cultural tradition in Doda.
The Shri Ram Leela Club Doda is believed to have been established around 1925, giving the institution nearly a century-long cultural journey. According to accounts preserved among elderly members of the local community, the establishment of the club is credited to Late Mansukh Dass, a Dogra artisan who was married at Tondwah in Doda.
Over the decades, the Ramleela tradition in Doda has received contributions from members of different communities. People belonging to Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities have contributed to sustaining the tradition, making the club an important part of the region’s shared cultural heritage.
The club entered a new phase during its centenary year in 2025, when it was formally registered as “Shri Ram Leela Club Doda Charitable Trust.” The registration provided an organised institutional framework for carrying forward its cultural and social activities and preserving the legacy of the historic club.
Another notable development in recent years has been the increasing participation of sisters and daughters in Ramleela performances. Since last year, women and girls have actively joined the performances, adding a new dimension to the traditional event while encouraging greater participation of the younger generation.
The rehearsal period has also expanded considerably. Traditionally, preparations were completed within around 30 to 40 days, whereas rehearsals now continue for nearly 60 to 80 days. The extended preparation period reflects the growing enthusiasm among local youth and the performers’ efforts to improve their presentation, dialogue delivery, stage performances and overall artistic quality.
The Trust is working to retain the traditional character and cultural values of Ramleela while simultaneously encouraging greater participation from young people and the wider community.
As Doda prepares to celebrate the upcoming Navratras, the nearly century-old Shri Ram Leela Club is once again gearing up to bring the story of Lord Ram to the stage. The performances are expected to provide audiences with an opportunity to witness the region’s rich cultural heritage while highlighting the enduring legacy of a tradition that has connected generations in Doda.