India’s Saumya Mishra is spreading awareness about Indian Hindu culture through the grand celebration of Ramleela across Canada. After winning hearts in several cities including Etobicoke, Brampton, Oakville, London, and Richmond Hill, Team Dhishum has now brought the divine saga of Lord Ram to the capital city of Ottawa. This year’s grand celebration of Dussehra was marked with two major events one at Toronto’s Sringeri Temple and another at Walter Baker Park, Ottawa organized by Radio Dhishum. The production captivated not only the Indian diaspora but also audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds, spreading the timeless message of dharma, courage, and devotion.
Reviving the Soul of Ramleela on Foreign Soil
The life story of Lord Ram was brought alive through an enchanting fusion of dance, drama, and music that touched the hearts of everyone present. With breathtaking sets, cinematic light and sound design, and modern VFX, audiences were transported straight into the world of the Ramayan. From the electrifying battle of Ram and Ravan, to Meghnath’s illusions, Hanuman’s journey to Lanka, Ram’s exile, Bharat-Milap, and Sita’s abduction, every scene resonated with deep emotion and spiritual energy.
“Ramleela is not just a performance; it is the heartbeat of Indian culture, a timeless saga of love, courage, and devotion,” said Director Somya Mishra, who has been the creative force behind this movement for seven years. What began as a humble effort to introduce Ramleela to Canadian audiences has now evolved into a cultural phenomenon that unites Hindus and non-Hindus alike in a celebration of universal values.
Passing Down the Values of Lord Ram to the Next Generation
This year, rehearsals for Ramleela began as early as June, with a special focus on involving Canadian-born children during their summer break. The goal was to inspire the younger generation to understand and live by the values of Lord Ram truth, discipline, compassion, and righteousness. Over 95 performers, including 35 children and 60 adults, came together in devotion and dedication to bring this story to life. The age range of participants spanning from 3-year-old Dev to 74-year-old Yashpal Sharma symbolized how deeply this tradition connects generations.
The cast this year featured:
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Lord Ram – Vikram Singh (Lucknow)
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Lakshman – Ivan
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Hanuman – Yash Patel
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Ravan – Siva
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Kumbhkaran – Sachin Rampal
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Sita – Somya Mishra (Lucknow)
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Young Ram & Little Hanuman – Veer Aryan Singh (Lucknow)
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Little Sita – Vallaary Mishra (Lucknow)
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Queen Sunayana – Poonam Kasliwal (Aligarh)
Audience members were moved not just by the artistic excellence but also by the spiritual depth of the performance. Parents expressed gratitude that events like these help their children remain rooted in Sanatan values, even while growing up in a Western environment.
The Enduring Presence of Ramayan in Southeast Asia and Beyond
What makes this cultural journey even more meaningful is that Ramleela is not limited to India alone. Across Southeast Asia, the Ramayan continues to inspire nations like Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia, where ancient temples and rock-cut sculptures depict scenes from the epic. In Thailand, the Ramakien, their national epic, is a retelling of the Ramayan, and many Thai kings including King Rama I have proudly carried the name “Rama” as a symbol of virtue and kingship.
In Cambodia, the walls of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom are adorned with intricate carvings of Lord Ram’s battles and Hanuman’s adventures. These depictions highlight how Hindu philosophy once shaped the political and moral fabric of Southeast Asia. Even today, in Bali and Java, the Ramayan Ballet continues to be performed as a traditional art form, keeping the essence of dharma alive in new generations.
By bringing Ramleela to Canada, Team Dhishum is rekindling the same spirit that once spread across Asia centuries ago bridging geography, faith, and time through the unifying message of righteousness.
Building Bridges Through Culture and Devotion
Over the past seven years, Ramleela in Canada has reached more than 700,000 people, becoming a cultural landmark for the South Asian community and beyond. Team Dhishum, a collective of Indo-Canadian artists, photographers, and volunteers, continues to dedicate its creativity and energy to promoting Indian art and spirituality in a modern setting. Their innovative approach blending tradition with cinematic production has not only popularized Ramleela among the youth but also inspired people of other faiths to appreciate the depth of Hindu culture.
The Eternal Light of Lord Ram in a Global World
As the echoes of “Jai Shri Ram!” resound across Canadian cities, it is evident that the story of Lord Ram has transcended boundaries and generations. The efforts of Somya Mishra and Team Dhishum reflect how Sanatan culture continues to thrive even in distant lands, proving that Ramleela is not confined to India it is a global celebration of dharma and divinity.
In a world often divided by identity and belief, Ramleela serves as a powerful reminder that the values of truth, compassion, and righteousness are universal. Through such initiatives, the Indian diaspora is not just preserving its culture it is gifting the world the eternal light of Lord Ram’s message, one performance at a