History has been made, for the first time in its 149th years of existence, President's House has hosted Ramleela celebrations.
President Christine Kangaloo says that it aligns with part of her vision, and she called on people, especially the youth, to examine the lessons that can found in Ramleela.
Reporter Alicia Boucher and Cameraman Shiva Parasram bring you the highlights.
00:00The battle between Lord Rama and the demon king Ravana, more commonly referred to locally as Rawan,
00:11reenacted by pupils of El Dorado North Hindu Primary School at the President's Ram Nila celebrations.
00:22It was a fast fight between good and evil that lasted seven days and seven nights.
00:27At the highest point, when beheaded by Lord Rama, Rawan continued to generate many heads.
00:33But in the end, good triumphed when Rama used a burmastro, a celestial arrow, with a burning core which brought an end to Rawan's life.
00:43In the courtyard of President's House, the large effigy of Rawan was set ablaze.
00:48Pupils of the Tunapuna Hindu Primary School kept the audience entertained during the intermission between parts one and two of the Ram Nila reenactment.
01:04Six primary schools, including the Cascade School for the Deaf, were invited to take part in the Ram Nila.
01:27President Christine Kangaloo, in expressing what she referred to as a sense of gratitude, called the experience extraordinary.
01:32What a privilege it is for all of us to have witnessed the sacred scriptures of the Ram Nila brought so vividly to life right here at the President's House and for the very first time.
01:48This is indeed a historic and significant occasion.
01:52She said the Ram Nila celebrations formed part of her vision to make President's House more accessible, especially for young people, in pushing culture, education and art.
02:04President Kangaloo praised the commitment and talent of those who performed, saying they are part of preserving the culture and religious heritage of the country.
02:13And in doing so, you have offered the students of these six schools a truly memorable experience, one which goes well beyond the excitement of the burning of Rawan, the infectious beat of the Tassa, and the masterful storytelling.
02:30It is an experience which has provided valuable insight into the deeper spiritual and moral significance at the heart of Ram Nila.
02:41I believe that just as light overcomes darkness, Ram Nila shines a light on truths that matter to us all.
02:50The President said apart from the struggle between good and evil, there are some important attributes to take away.
02:57Such as discipline, respect, courage, love, loyalty, friendship and faith on display.
03:06Each character showed us something about real life and about ourselves.
03:11Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, for example, showed us what true love and devotion look like and how strong love can remain even when life becomes very difficult.
03:22And in terms of Rawan, she said there are lessons to be learned about the consequences of egoism, selfishness and greed.
03:31I also believe that Trinidad and Tobago would be a far better place if each of us took the lessons of these important scenes from my mind to heart and live by its principles.
03:43I especially encourage you, the youth and future leaders of this nation, to embrace these values, and in so doing, help build a stronger and more productive country.
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