In a celebration that blended ancient Indian epics with modern multiculturalism, a quiet backyard in Plainsboro transformed into a stage of myth, meaning, and magic for the 2025 DIY Multicultural Ram Leela. Attended by over 200 people from across the tri-state area and streamed live to hundreds more, the free event on June 7 served as a powerful testament to the spirit of community, inclusivity, and cultural continuity.
Neighbors of all backgrounds – Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, and beyond – came together for an evening of rich storytelling, vibrant performances, and shared heritage. The event, now in its fifth year, is staged by a family committed to continuing a tradition that began in the 1960s in India, when the organizer’s grandfather staged similar plays.
“This is not just a play. It’s a prayer, a purpose, and a promise to the next generation,” said Lakshmi Kant Garg, the organizer, who revived his grandfather Master Jyoti Swaroop’s legacy in New Jersey in 2021. “We want to bring world cultures under one roof, and what better way than through timeless stories that teach values we all share.” Mr Garg is the Founder of Master Ji’s Heritage Ram Leela Studio and Managing Director at a Big Four accounting firm in New York City. His community-driven efforts have been recognized at both the national and state levels in the US and India.
The Soorpnakha nose-cutting scene: In 2022, Indian television actor Arun Govil, who portrayed Ram in the classic Ramayana series, joined virtually from Mumbai to express admiration for the annual performance in New Jersey.
A Community United
Support came not just from the audience but from the neighborhood itself. Residents opened their backyards for food catering, driveways became parking lots, and speakers echoed across fences with the cooperation of local families. From doctors and engineers to young students and local leaders, the event brought together an extraordinary cross-section of the community.
“We applaud the work you do to bring our community together through such rich cultural experiences,” said Plainsboro Mayor Ed Yates in an email.
The event kicked off with a moving multifaith prayer—featuring Gurbani from Sikh tradition, couplets of the Muslim poet Rahim, and a sonnet by Shakespeare, setting the tone for an evening that was as diverse as it was unified.
A Modern Ram Leela with Ancient Soul
Key scenes from the Ramayana were creatively interpreted with rich costumes, dramatic effects, and multilingual dialogues. The production also incorporated a story of Sai Baba and even a scene from the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna imparts wisdom to a conflicted Arjuna aboard a home-made wooden chariot.
But what made the show extraordinary was its home-grown flair. All costumes and props, ranging from the flower-filled Pushpak Vimaan used in the “Sita Haran” scene to the chariot used in the Mahabharata sequence, were painstakingly handcrafted by the family. One jaw-dropping moment involved Ravana leaping from the stage to kidnap Sita, while the scene depicting Soorpnakha’s transformation had the audience gasping in awe. A live yagna (sacred fire ritual) was conducted on site, symbolizing purification and the continuity of age-old traditions.
Youth at the Forefront
This year marked a significant shift, with more high school and college students involved than ever before, serving as actors, backstage crew, and volunteers. “We’ve seen a real generational handoff this year,” said Ajay Rathi, an audience member. “You could feel the passion and sincerity in the youth performers. It gave us hope.”
Among the core team was organizer Lakshmi Kant’s daughter, Darisi Garg, a recent graduate from Emory University, who led the music direction. His older daughter, Dr. Noemi Garg, currently an internal medicine resident at MedStar Georgetown, and her fiancé, Yatin Tuteja, helped conceptualize the stage, logistics, and more. His wife, Rajni, a homemaker with an eye for detail, made multiple trips to India to source fabrics, jewelry, and ancient script materials, often working late into the night to bring authenticity to the costumes. The efforts of the volunteer team, led by Vedika Maheshwari, helped run the event smoothly.
National Recognition
The event is no stranger to praise. In 2022, iconic Indian television actor Arun Govil, who portrayed Ram in the classic Ramayana series, joined virtually from Mumbai to express admiration. That same year, his daughter Sonika Govil attended in person in Plainsboro, further amplifying the event’s credibility and charm.
A Vision Realized
At its heart, the family’s goal is clear: to foster a sense of rootedness in children growing up thousands of miles from their cultural origins, while welcoming all others to learn, experience, and appreciate.
“Kids came here not just to watch, but to live history. That’s what keeps the tradition alive,” said Shiv Jangid, a crew member.
“I brought my 2 years old daughter with me to experience a different culture,” said Brooke Wolfgang, an audience member from Pennsylvania. “It was amazing.”
With cardboard transformed into castles, backyards turned into kingdoms, and the spirit of Ram Leela burning bright under the Jersey sky, this Plainsboro production wasn’t just theatre, it was a movement.
Website: www.ramleelastudionj.com
