Vientiane/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday witnessed an episode of Lao Ramayana - called Phalak Phalam or Phra Lak Phra Ram - performed by the prestigious Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang in Vientiane.
Ramayana continues to be celebrated in Laos, and the epic reflects the shared heritage and age-old civilization connection between the two countries.
Several facets of Indian culture and tradition have been practised and preserved in Laos for centuries. The two countries are closely working to illuminate their shared heritage. The Archaeological Survey of India is involved in restoring the Vat Phou temple and related monuments in Laos.
Pha Lak Pha Lam (Phra Lakshman Phra Ram) is the Lao adaptation of the ancient epic Ramayana (or Ramakien, as it is popularly known in South East Asia).
The Ramayana, popular throughout South and South-east Asia, was first brought to ancient Lao kingdom of Lane Xang centuries ago reportedly by Buddhist missions. The Lao version has taken on a distinctively Lao style.
Phalak Phalam is revered and is performed by dancers, musicians, and artists on special occasions, especially as part of annual Pi Mai (Lao new year) celebrations. Locally, some also attribute its origins as Jataka tale. Main characters are Phralak (Lakshman), Phralam (Ram), Nang Sida (Sita), Thotsakhan or Hapkhanasouane (Ravana), Hanuman, Sampati, Jatayu etc.
The most accomplished traditional performance takes place at the Royal Ballet Theatre (Phalak Phalam Theatre) in Luang Prabang.
The troupe of Royal Ballet Theatre of Luang Prabang participated in ICCR’s Ramayana Mela in January 2024 and then also performed at Ayodhya and Lucknow. Their performances were well received in India.
