The Assembly will now preserve Ramman, the Himalayan cultural identity, listed as a UNESCO World Intangible Heritage. Before President Draupadi Murmu’s address at a special Assembly session on Monday, Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan presented her with a book on the traditional Ramman celebrated in Salur Dungra village in Chamoli district, a replica of the mask used in Ramman, a portrait of the President, and a Brahma Kamal shawl. She also provided information about Ramman. Uttarakhand, the land of the gods, is known for its rich cultural heritage, festivals, and folklore. Ramman is one of these festivals, encompassing not only a religious event but also rich folk art, drama, music, dance, and community participation. The Ramman festival has been held in Salur Dungra village in Chamoli for decades. The main attractions of Ramman are mask dance and performance. In this, scenes from the Ramayana are enacted in a dance style. Because of these unique features, UNESCO has included Ramman in the World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Despite this, the number of mask-makers for Ramman remains limited. According to Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, there is only one mask-maker today. If Ramman is not protected, it will soon be consigned to the pages of history.
In view of this, steps will be taken to preserve Ramman and the masks through the International Institute for Parliamentary Studies, Research and Training, located in the Assembly building in Gairsain. To this end, 18 masks have been made. Additionally, arrangements will be made at this center to provide training to youth in Ramman and mask art.
