The much-hyped Ramlila to be staged by cine stars in Ayodhya has come under criticism from the sant samaj who have questioned the language and costumes to be used during the religious function by the character actors.

Sants from different cults were equivocal in their protest, saying that Ramlila was a spiritual tradition and attempts were being made to destroy religious beliefs through the new style of distorted Ramlila.

The Ramlila will be held virtually and beamed across the country on a digital platform. Last year over 16 crore people watched it on digital platforms and this year the viewership is expected to swell over 20 crore.

Mahant Bal Yogi Ramdas Ji Maharaj of Siddhpeeth Kartalia Baba Ashram said that Sanatan Dharma was centuries old and Lord Shri Ram was Maryada Purushottam.

“The character of Lord Ram is considered an ideal not only in India but in the whole world. But the Ramlila presented last year did not reflect our culture. Many people called me last year questioning the sanctity of Ramlila performed in Ayodhya. The character of Lord Shri Ram is not being shown properly. Such insults will not be tolerated at any cost,” he said.

“The cine stars performing different characters in Ramlila may be good actors of Bollywood. But before a performance in Ramlila they should study the scriptures and should understand the kind of clothes worn at that time. President of Ayodhya's Ramlila, Subhash Malik, should go to Banares and watch Ramlila and should see how the character of Lord Ram is depicted. Ramanand Sagar ji brought Ramayana to the television screen. No one can raise a finger at any character but when the character of our Lord Ram is not shown in the right spirit, saints will oppose such Ramlila and Ayodhya will not allow such Ramlila,” he said.