From Text to Stage: The Living Rāmlīlā Exhibit is a photo exhibition that brings to life the dramatic reenactment of Gosvāmī Tulsīdāsa’s Rāmacaritamānasa (16th century) as performed in Rāmlīlā traditions across South Asia. It focuses on the Ramnagar Rāmlīlā of Varanasi, known for its immersive performances that unfold across multiple locations. This Rāmlīlā integrates recitation, dramatic enactment, and tableaux (jhāṅkī). This exhibit highlights one of the most celebrated episodes of Rāmlīlā-Sītā Svayamvara-alongside images of other plays. Through an assemblage of costumes, effigies, masks, and visual displays, the exhibition offers insight into the intricacies of this enduring theatrical tradition. It seeks to illuminate the active participation of the audience, the pivotal role of the patron, and the ritual significance embedded in the performance.

Photographs for this exhibit were provided by Abhinav Goswami (Photographer), curated by Vishnupriya Goswami (MA Student, Department of Asian Languages and Literature), and presented as an initiative by Deepa Banerjee (South Asian Studies Librarian).

Organized at Bookcase Allen North, Allen & Suzzallo Libraries from March 12 to April 18, the exhibit also featured multiple walkthrough presentations by Vishnupriya for diverse audiences, enriching the experience with contextual insight and scholarly interpretation