Ram Leela To Bring Timeless Epic Of Ramayan This Diwali

Auckland will witness a grand retelling of the Ramayan with Ram Leela, a powerful storytelling directed and choreographed by Anuradha Ramkumar MNZM, scheduled for Saturday, 11 October 2025, from 5 pm to 7:30 pm at Auckland Town Hall.

To buy tickets, click here.

Presented by Rhythm House Events and Films, the production will feature over 100 performers in traditional costumes, combining Bharatanatyam, classical, and folk dance traditions with dramatic stagecraft. Organisers said the performance would narrate the journey of Lord Rama through exile, sacrifice, and the battle to uphold dharma, while highlighting the courage of Sita, the devotion of Hanuman, and the triumph of good over evil.

The two-hour extravaganza will include professional music, special lighting effects, ethnic jewellery, props, and a digital backdrop. It will be narrated in English to enable wider audiences to connect with the story and its meaning.

Photo: Ayodhya Rama production from last year/Supplied

The event also marks the 29th anniversary of Anuradha’s School of Indian Dances, which has been preserving and presenting Indian classical dance forms in New Zealand since 1996. Under Ramkumar’s artistic direction, the school has provided scholarships to students and incorporated Māori cultural elements into its productions, recognising connections between Indians in New Zealand and tangata whenua.

Ramkumar, who was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2024 New Year Honours List, has more than 40 years of experience in Indian classical dance. Her past productions include Kamba Ramayan, Sri Krishna, Maha Yugas, Surya Putra Karna, Krishna Leela, Ayodhya Rama, and Bharatha.

Photo: Ayodhya Rama production from last year/Supplied

Anuradha’s School of Indian Dances has performed at major events across New Zealand, including WOMAD, Westfield Style Pacifica Awards, Villa-Maria Fashion Awards, AK05 Festival, Civic Theatre Flamingo Curtain Opening, Parliament Diwali celebrations, Indian High Commission events, and Diwali Festivals. They also featured at the Indian Weekender Hall of Fame Business Awards and the Indian Newslink Awards.

Photo: Team at Anuradha’s School of Indian Dances/Supplied

In recent years, Ramkumar and her students collaborated with the Auckland Museum and Auckland Art Gallery to celebrate Diwali, offering performances and interactive workshops to introduce wider communities to Indian art and culture. The school also had the honour of performing during the visit of Droupadi Murmu, President of India.

Organisers said Ram Leela would be “a true highlight of the Diwali season,” blending cultural splendour with devotion and inspiration.

To buy tickets, click here.