Sacred Stages: Traditional Ritual Theatres of India

“Sacred Stages: Traditional Ritual Theatres of India” is a powerful cultural initiative that celebrates India’s living heritage through its ritual theatre traditions. Released by the Press Information Bureau on September 29, 2025, this showcase highlights how sacred performance art forms are deeply woven into the spiritual and social fabric of Indian communities.

What Are Ritual Theatres?
Ritual theatres are sacred performances that blend:
- Drama, music, dance, and narration
- Religious rituals and community participation
- Often performed in temples or village courtyards
- Serve as vehicles of cultural transmission, not just entertainment

These traditions are recognized by UNESCO as part of India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), emphasizing their global significance and the need for preservation.

Featured Theatre Forms
Here are four ritual theatre forms inscribed on UNESCO’s ICH list:
Kutiyattam - Kerala
Sanskrit theatre with codified gestures and eye expressions; performed in temple theatres

Mudiyettu - Kerala
Dance-drama of Goddess Kali’s battle; involves entire village in ritual roles

Ramman - Uttarakhand
Annual masked festival honoring Bhumiyal Devta; caste-based roles and musical storytelling

Ramlila - Northern India
Epic enactment of Ramayana during Dussehra; community-led performances in open spaces

Each form embodies themes like Divine Storytelling, Sacred Space, Community Participation, and Fusion of Art Forms.

Role of Sangeet Natak Akademi
India’s apex performing arts body plays a key role in:
- Documenting and archiving these traditions
- Supporting guru-shishya parampara (master-disciple training)
- Organizing festivals and workshops
- Collaborating with UNESCO and state governments for safeguarding efforts

Why It Matters
These sacred stages are not relics—they’re living traditions that:
- Foster social cohesion
- Preserve ethical and aesthetic values
- Provide a spiritual bridge between generations.