For 100 years, Allahabad got its ‘Brahmin Rams’ from this village

For nearly 100 years, a nondescript village, about 30km from Allahabad, has given the city over a hundred Rams and Lakshmans to Dussehra celebrations over the years and continues to do so

For nearly 100 years, a nondescript village, about 30km from Allahabad, has given the city over a hundred Rams and Lakshmans to Dussehra celebrations over the years and continues to do so.

Teens in nearly every second home in Gheesapur village have played Ram or Lakshman in Dussehra celebrations in Allahabad. (HT Photo)

Gheesapur village, a Brahmin-dominated village in Saidabad, continues to produce more Rams and Lakshmans year after year. Teens in nearly every second home in Gheesapur have played the mythological characters in the morning Shringar Chowki of Shree Patharchatti Ramlila Committee for over a century.

For some, it has become a family tradition to play these coveted roles.

Shivkumar Jadia, son of Gopalji Jadia, said: “At least 15 days before Sharadiya Navratri, we visit Gheesapur village to select teenagers. The primary requirement is that they should be Brahmins,” he said.

According to him, about 150 to 200 children have been selected in the last 100 years to play the role of central characters of Ramayana.

With a glint of pride, Himanshu Mishra declared he was selected to become Ram this year.

“These children are served Satvik food without onion and garlic. After they take up the role of Lord Ram and Lakshman, they don’t step on the floor,” said Vivek Singh, a Jadia family member.