Ramleela at Russian House: Celebrating 103 Years of Tradition and Friendship

The Shri Dharmic Leela Committee, presented a special rendition of “Ramleela – A Short Play on the Life & Ideals of Lord Ram” at Russian House, New Delhi, on 25 September 2026, in collaboration with Russian House.





The culturally significant evening brought together diplomats, members of the international community and distinguished guests to witness the timeless story and ideals of Lord Ram, while celebrating the enduring friendship and cultural affinity between India and Russia.


The programme was graced by H.E. Ms. Hanisha Jairam, Ambassador of Suriname, Dr. Elena Remizova, Director, Russian House, New Delhi, and Mr. Evgeny Griva, Deputy Trade Commissioner of Russia. Diplomats and representatives from the Embassies of Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Mongolia, Mauritius, Palestine, Russia, Sri Lanka and Tajikistan were also present.






Dr. Elena Remizova, Director, Russian House, New Delhi, appreciated the efforts of the Shri Dharmic Leela Committee in preserving and presenting the religious and cultural significance of Ramleela for 103 years. She welcomed the Committee’s collaboration with Russian House for the first time for this special celebration and appreciated the initiative of bringing this important Indian cultural tradition to the Russian House platform.



Shri Suresh Goyal, Chairman, Shri Dharmic Leela Committee, highlighted the significance of taking the Committee’s century-old cultural tradition to a diplomatic and international platform. Under his chairmanship, the programme reflected the Committee’s continued commitment to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage while creating meaningful avenues for international cultural engagement.



Shri Dhiraj Dhar Gupta, General Secretary, Shri Dharmic Leela Committee, expressed his gratitude to Russian House, New Delhi, for its collaboration and gracious hospitality in hosting this special presentation. He stated that the initiative provided a meaningful platform to further strengthen India–Russia people-to-people relations through culture, tradition and shared values.



Shri Pradeep Sharan, Secretary, Shri Dharmic Leela Committee, welcomed the distinguished guests, diplomats and members of the international community. In his address, he emphasised the importance of cultural programmes in bringing people and nations closer and creating opportunities for greater mutual understanding.



Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Senior Vice President, Shri Dharmic Leela Committee, described the occasion as “history in the making”, noting that India and Russia have been time-tested friends and that their civilizations share deep cultural and people-to-people affinities. He observed that presenting Ramleela at Russian House was a significant historic step and a meaningful expression of the longstanding cultural friendship between the two countries.



The presentation showcased the universal values embodied in the Ramayana—dharma, duty, honour, compassion, courage and the triumph of righteousness—demonstrating how cultural traditions can serve as bridges of friendship and understanding between nations.




The programme marked a noteworthy cultural milestone for the Shri Dharmic Leela Committee, Delhi’s historic institution associated with the annual Ramleela tradition at the Red Fort, by bringing its longstanding tradition into a diplomatic and international cultural setting.




The evening concluded with a warm celebration of India–Russia friendship, cultural harmony and people-to-people connections, reaffirming the important role of cultural exchange in bringing communities and nations closer.