Ramman

रम्माण

Garhwal region · Saloor-Dungra, Chamoli

Masked Ramman performers dance in a temple courtyard at Saloor-Dungra
Masked Ramman performers dance in a temple courtyard at Saloor-DungraPhoto: Samiksha Khanduri / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

What Ramman marks

A religious and theatrical festival unique to the twin village of Saloor-Dungra in the Painkhanda valley of Chamoli, honouring the village deity Bhumiyal Devta. UNESCO inscribed Ramman on its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

How it's celebrated

Over several days the village stages masked dances, drumming and the recitation of the Ramman, an oral epic of Rama, along with local legends. Each caste and family has a hereditary role, and the masks are treated as living deities.

Recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2009).