Ramman: Uttarakhand’s Living Heritage of Sacred Masks and Collective Memory

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Hidden in the serene Himalayan village of Saloor-Dungra, Uttarakhand, the Ramman Festival is a mesmerising confluence of ritual theatre, devotional music, and masked performances.

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Celebrated every year in late April, this extraordinary festival is dedicated to Bhumiyal Devta, the village deity, through elaborate performances that seamlessly weave together history, spirituality, and cultural storytelling.

Recognised by UNESCO in 2009 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Ramman is far more than a festival — it's a living tradition, lovingly preserved through generations.

At its heart are 18 performers adorned in sacred wooden masks, each embodying mythological figures from the epics. They dance to the beat of 18 rhythmic cycles, transforming folklore into a spellbinding spectacle.

What makes Ramman even more special is its deeply communal spirit — the entire village participates. Roles are passed down across castes and communities, reflecting an enduring harmony rooted in shared heritage.

Witness the devotion, artistry, and collective memory that make Ramman not just a celebration but a sacred expression of identity.

#RammanFestival #UNESCOHeritage #Uttarakhand #Culture #MaskedDance #IndiaHeritage #FolkTheatre #Garhwal

[Ramman Festival, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage India, Uttarakhand, Saloor Dungra festival]

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