Bare-footed actors called paatras (vessels)
observe ritual disciplines before they
enter the ground. Ancient characters in
costumes of yellow, red, blue and black
dance to the strong rhythms of tassa
drums as they enact the episodes which
are sung in Hindi and narrated in English
from a raised platform situated to the
east.
The annual reenactment is ritual, faith
and theatre in four languages; Awadhi,
Sanskrit, English and local Trini dialect.
It ends on Dashmi, the tenth day, with
the burning of a gigantic effigy of Ravan.
Rama’s coronation and a festival of lights
welcoming his return to Ayodhya marks
the eventual victory of good over evil.
This Festival of Lights enters
contemporary time and local space as a
public holiday, Divali, two weeks later on
the local calendar