In the historic Padjawa Ramlila in Prayagraj, crowns that may be over a hundred years old are used and continue to be utilized within traditional practices. Before the start of Ramlila, the crowns intended for Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna, and Sita are cleaned, polished, and then consecrated in the temple. Notably, these crowns were crafted by artisans from Lahore.
These artifacts are not new; they are over a century old and were made by craftsmen from Lahore. At a time when modern borders did not exist between India and Lahore, these crowns were commissioned by the family of Lala Manohar Das 'Bakcha Ji' and executed by skilled Lahore masters.
Over time, these crowns have become an integral part of the Padjawa Ramlila. Years have passed, times have changed, and the country has divided, with Lahore separating from India. However, the history of these crowns remains unchanged. Today, when Rama and Lakshmana appear on the stage of Padjawa Ramlila, this ancient heritage is visible on their heads.
Padjawa Ramlila is distinguished by the fact that not only the story of Ramayana is reproduced on stage, but also many ancient traditions associated with it. This applies to costumes, ornaments, and these old headpieces. All of this is carefully preserved. Before the Ramlila begins, the crowns and old ornaments undergo a cleaning procedure, after which they are taken to the temple for worship.
Recently, such a ceremony took place at the ancient Ram Janki Mandir, located in the Shahganj area of the old city of Prayagraj. During this worship, the crowns were gathered together, and prayers were offered. Officials and members of the Ramlila Committee were present, signaling the imminent start of the Ramlila. However, the special quality of these crowns lies not only in their age; they were made from a mixture of gold and silver, giving them high value. Nevertheless, for the Committee, their true value lies in the history they carry: the Lahore masters, the old Prayagraj, the long-standing tradition of Ramlila, and the custom upheld with such devotion.
Padjawa Ramlila is considered one of the oldest Ramlilas of Prayagraj. People travel from afar during Navaratri and Dussehra to watch the performance. Preparations for this season have begun, and according to Sachin Kumar Gupta, the financial secretary of the Padjawa Ramlila Committee, the work of cleaning and polishing the crowns is complete, followed by their ritual worship.
Now it is time for the Ramlila itself: the stage will be decorated, actors will appear, and performers for the roles of Rama and Lakshmana will prepare. When these crowns are placed on their heads, many spectators sitting before the stage may not realize that they are watching not just a crown, but a history spanning over a hundred years, created by Lahore masters and preserved by generations who experienced the division of the country and the change of times, yet maintained its essence.