Lucknow, Sept. 30 -- For one week every year, the Ramleela Maidan in Sector C, Mahanagar, transforms into a vibrant confluence of plains and hills: in spirit, sound, and tradition. This is when the Kumaoni community, settled across the city, brings to life a deeply rooted cultural legacy: The Pahadi Ramleela. While Ramleelas are a staple in northern India during the Navratri-Dussehra season, what unfolds at Mahanagar is far from ordinary. It is a cultural transplant, a living bridge between the highland traditions of Uttarakhand and the urban rhythms of Lucknow. More than a religious enactment, it becomes a celebration of identity, heritage, and the endurance of tradition. The Mahanagar Pahadi Ramleela has been a fixture in the city's cultural calendar since the 1950s, when it was first performed in an open plot in Mahanagar, then a newly developing neighbourhood with open spaces and scattered households. In 1968, the Shri Ram Leela Samiti, Mahanagar was formally registered under the Societies Act, and since then, not a single year has passed without a performance - a remarkable feat that stands as a testament to the community's dedication. Vimal Pant, who has been associated with the Ramleela since its inception, reminisces about the early days. "There were hardly any buildings. We had more sky than walls. The Kumaoni families here felt a deep need to preserve our traditions, and what better way than through Ramleela? We brought not just our script, but our soul." What sets this Ramleela apart is not only its faithful adherence to the text of Radheyshyam Ramayan, but the musical richness embedded in its performances. "We've preserved the original compositions and perform them in rare classical ragas like Pahadi, Yaman, Bhim Palasi, and Shiv Ranjini," says Vimal Pant, who has directed the music for decades. One of the most radical and inspiring aspects of Mahanagar Ramleela is its gender inclusivity - a silent revolution in a space traditionally dominated by men. While in most other Ramleelas, men continue to portray female characters, this Ramleela flips the script: women perform the lead male roles - a rarity, if not a first for Lucknow. "We didn't do this for attention. We did it because it felt right. If a man can play Sita, why not a woman play Ram?" asks Vimal Pant with a quiet smile. This year, Yashi Lohumi, a BTech student, plays Ram, while her younger sister Plahguni, a Class 11 student, plays Lakshman. Another pair of sisters, Pratishtha Sharma and Yashi Sharma, perform the roles of Bharat and Shatrughan. The success of the Mahanagar Pahadi Ramleela has sparked a ripple effect. Over the past decade, similar Pahadi-style Ramleelas have emerged in Koormanchal Nagar, Pant Nagar, Khurram Nagar, and Kalyanpur, led by residents hailing from Uttarakhand. Mahendra Pant, the current director of the Mahanagar Ram Leela, says: "We never imagined it would become a trend. But now, we see younger generations taking ownership. The costumes, the music, the dialogue delivery - they're not just acting, they're living the tradition." Kunal Pant who is playing the role of Dashrath for over a decade said, " Over the decades, the Ramleela has become a stage not just for religious storytelling, but for icons of local performance art. Nalinath Joshi, a name spoken with reverence, portrayed Ravana for over 30 years, until his passing. Today, the legacy continues with Bhaskar Joshi donning ten-headed crown. More than just a play, the Mahanagar Pahadi Ramleela is a cultural dialogue - between regions, generations, and values. It fuses urban modernity with rural memory, faith with art, and tradition with progress. As most Ramleelas conclude with the thunderous climax of Ravana's defeat, followed by cheers, tears, and conch shells on Dussehra ,but the Pahadi Ramleela concludes with Bharat Milap and a Grand Shobha Yatra on the next day of Dussehra ....