Sree Rama Kathamruth

Ramayana Classical Dance Drama

Experience the timeless epic Ramayana through Sree Rama Kathamruth, a breathtaking 45-minute classical dance drama that narrates the essence of the Ramayana. This vibrant portrayal blends the grace of Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam with the powerful storytelling of Kathakali, Kuchipudi, and Theyyam. Journey through the divine birth of Lord Rama, the epic battle with Ravana, and the triumphant coronation that marks the victory of dharma. A must-see cultural extravaganza that brings India’s greatest epic to life.

About the Show

Sree Rama Kathamruth is a 45-minute classical dance drama that presents the essence of the Ramayana through a vibrant tapestry of India’s traditional dance forms. The production weaves together Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Theyyam to create an unforgettable visual and emotional experience.

The Ramayana story has been a favourite theme for dance-dramas across India for centuries. From the Ramanattam of Kerala in the 17th century to modern Bharatanatyam productions, the epic has inspired countless choreographers and performers . Punarjani’s production follows this rich tradition, presenting the epic in a format that is both authentic and accessible to contemporary audiences.

The drama follows the complete arc of the Ramayana, with each scene carefully choreographed to capture the emotional depth and spiritual significance of the story. The performance uses stylised movements, expressive gestures, and elaborate costumes to transport the audience into the mythological world of gods, demons, and heroic mortals.

Duration: 45 Minutes

Languages: Visual storytelling with brief introductions in English

What Makes This Show Special

Highlight 1: A Fusion of Classical Dance Forms
The production blends five major classical dance forms – Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Theyyam. Each form brings its distinct flavour to the storytelling, creating a rich and diverse cultural experience. This approach follows the tradition of presenting the Ramayana through multiple artistic mediums, as seen in various Indian dance-drama traditions .

Highlight 2: The Complete Ramayana in 45 Minutes
The show condenses the entire epic into a powerful 45-minute presentation, capturing all the major moments – from the divine birth of Lord Rama to his triumphant coronation. The carefully selected scenes maintain the narrative’s emotional and spiritual depth while making it accessible to a modern audience.

Highlight 3: Spectacular Costumes & Makeup
The elaborate costumes and traditional makeup transform performers into characters from the epic. The symbolic colours and patterns follow the conventions of Kathakali and other classical dance forms, where green represents noble characters, red signifies evil, and black depicts demonic beings.

Highlight 4: Expressive Storytelling
The artists communicate through codified hand gestures (mudras) and intricate facial expressions, particularly eye movements, to convey emotions and storylines without spoken words. This universal language of dance transcends linguistic barriers and has been a hallmark of Ramayana performances for centuries .

Highlight 5: Live Music
Traditional Carnatic music, with its rich repertoire of ragas and talas, accompanies the performance. The orchestra includes vocalists, mridangam, flute, violin, and sometimes the maddalam (Kathakali drum) for vigorous masculine action sequences .

The Epic Unfolds

1. Birth of Lord Rama
The story begins in Ayodhya Puri with the divine birth of Lord Sree Ramachandra, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. Born to King Dasaratha and Queen Kausalya, Rama’s birth is celebrated as the arrival of dharma on earth.

2. Thadaka Vadham
The young princes Rama and Lakshmana accompany Sage Viswamitra to protect his yagna. They confront and slay the demoness Thadaka at Gandhamadana Giri, showcasing Rama’s divine purpose and his role as the destroyer of evil.

3. Sita Swayamvara
The grand event at Mithila, where emperors and kings, including the mighty Ravana, fail to lift the sacred bow of Lord Shiva, the Thryambakam. With a thunderous sound, Lord Rama lifts and breaks the bow, winning Sita Devi’s hand in marriage.

4. Vanavasa (Exile)
Lord Rama, Sita Devi, and Lakshmana are sent into exile. They live in a forest hut (Parnashala). Sita, captivated by a golden deer, urges Rama to capture it. Before leaving, Lakshmana draws the Lakshmana Rekha to protect his sister-in-law.

5. Sita Apaharana (Abduction)
Ravana, disguised as an old sage, deceives Sita and lures her out of the protective Lakshmana Rekha, abducting her in his Pushpaka Vimana.

6. Jatayu Moksha
The divine bird Jatayu heroically confronts Ravana to save Sita but is fatally wounded. Lord Rama grants moksha (liberation) to the brave bird as he breathes his last. Hanuman finds Sita Devi, shows her Lord Rama’s ring, and conveys a message of hope.

7. Rama-Ravana Yuddha (The Battle)
The epic battle culminates in Ravana’s defeat, a triumphant victory of good over evil. The battle scenes are portrayed with vigorous masculine action, using the powerful rhythms of the maddalam drum .

8. Sree Rama Pattabhisheka (Coronation)
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana return to Ayodhya amidst grand celebrations. Rama’s coronation as the King of Ayodhya marks the ultimate triumph of dharma.

Show Schedule

Important Notes:

• Shows run daily throughout the year
• The full Sree Rama Kathamruth production is staged as a standalone performance in Kanyakumari
• In Munnar, the Ramayana story is presented as part of the Kathakali Fusion show

Ticket Information

Special Offers:

• Children below 5 years: Complimentary entry
• Combo tickets available for Kathakali Fusion + Kalarippayattu shows
• Group discounts available for bookings of 10 or more

Booking Tips:

• Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for front-row seats
• Book directly at the venue ticketing counter
• The Kanyakumari show is particularly popular – book well in advance

How to Reach & Venue Information

Venue Locations

Distance from Munnar Town: Approximately 8.7 km (20 minutes by taxi)

How to Reach (Munnar)

How to Reach (Kanyakumari)
Kanyakumari is well connected by train and road. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (approx. 90 km).

Venue Tips

• Seating: Front row offers the best view but may not be comfortable for everyone
• Weather: Evenings can be chilly – carry a sweater
• No AC: The venue is naturally ventilated; fans are available