Ramman Mahotsav: Celebrating Garhwal’s Ancient Cultural Heritage

Ramman is a festival that blends religious and cultural elements, featuring ritual theater, masked dances, historical narratives, and active community involvement. Reckitt, through its flagship programme, Dettol Banega Swasth India (BSI), along with the Uttarakhand government, partnered with the 14-day event as its hygiene partner.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, who holds the esteemed title of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Ji Maharaj of Jyotishpeeth located in Jyotirmath, honored the occasion by attending as the Chief Guest.

One of the most captivating aspects of the Mahotsav is the intricate mask dances executed by skilled villagers. Dancers don wooden masks that symbolise different deities and mythical figures.

Mr. Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs and Partnerships, Reckitt - South Asia (SOA), said "Through Dettol Banega Swasth India, Reckitt collaborates with Ramman Mahotsav to integrate hygiene education into traditional practices. Working with Uttarakhand's government, we blend cultural heritage with health promotion by engaging local languages and customs. Our aim: make quality hygiene, wellness and nourishment accessible to all while fostering sustainable behavioral change for a healthier India."

Did you know that the Ramman festival draws in over 5,000 attendees annually?

Ramman features captivating reenactments of regional legends, historical moments, and mythological tales. Performed in the native Garhwali dialect, these shows not only safeguard oral traditions but also impart moral teachings and cultural values to the youth.

What makes Ramman particularly remarkable is its continued vitality. Unlike many cultural practices preserved primarily for tourism, Ramman remains an authentically lived tradition. The festival continues to evolve organically while maintaining its ritual integrity, demonstrating how ancient traditions can remain relevant in contemporary contexts.

Dettol Banega Swasth India and PLAN India launched a major hygiene initiative at Ramman Mahotsav 2025, distributing 10,000 Dettol soaps and conducting hygiene education sessions to raise health awareness. This effort integrated hygiene into the festival's culture, honoring tradition while promoting healthier communities.

Deveshwari Shah, The Chairperson Of Jyotirmath Municipality And Lakhpat Singh Butola, MLA, Badrinath were also present at the festival.

Joining the festivities, Dr. Sandeep Tiwari, District Magistrate of Chamoli, said, "The Ramman Festival is not just a cultural celebration but also a powerful platform for community mobilisation. We are delighted that Dettol Banega Swasth India has joined us as the Hygiene Partner. Their efforts to promote hygiene through soap distribution and awareness activities will have a lasting impact on our communities."

Ramman's heartbeat is fueled by skilled drummers playing the _dhol_ and _damau_. These artists, from unique communities, pass down their tradition through generations. The complex drumming sequences, known as 'mandals,' require extensive training and carry deep symbolic significance.