The Secrets of The Day Unfolded
The YICG Ramayana Treasure Hunt was a day much awaited by all. Children of all ages arrived at the starting point of the trail before they all embarked on their journey through time, re-creating Rama's Path!
Photos of kid ready to start their trail journey!
The purpose of this activity was simple, to teach the little kids about their culture and epics. This was done beautifully as the day was filled with scenes from the Ramayana joined with clues to take you to the next destination in this iconic saga. Each scene had a beautifully illustrated image along with items to portray what was happening in the story.
Everyone got to enjoy some time outside while talking about the significance of the Ramayana and truly delving into what this story means in a modern context. The YICG Ramayana Trail Trek through the forest (a backyard) was an incredible journey, filled with rich scenes from the Ramayana and hidden treasures at every turn.
Rathi Raja and Vinitha Shetty
Thanks to the creative genius of Vinitha Shetty, participants were immersed in a vibrant and educational atmosphere, using Ramayana stick puppets to guide their way. This joined with Rathi Raja's storytelling made the day a memorable one.
Here’s a recap of the magical adventure, complete with the clues from each significant scene in the Ramayana:
Clue - follow the arrows to Shiva’s bow to find your treasure.
Scene 2 ~ Ram and Sita living in a hut in the forest:
Clue - follow the flowers and leaves to Ram, Sita, and Laxman’s abode and enjoy a treasure from Mother Nature.
Scene 3 ~ Bharata asks for Rama’s Padukas to be on the throne until Rama returns from exile:
Clue - draw Lord Rama’s Padukas and be blessed with a treasure.
Scene 4 ~ Sita is enchanted by the golden deer and begs Rama to bring it to her:
Clue - follow the golden trail of the deer. It may lead you to a treasure.
Scene 5 ~ Laxam requests Sita not to cross the Laxman Rekha while he is looking for Rama:
Clue - Draw your own Laxman Rekha and find your treasure.
Scene 6 ~ Rama and Laxman with the wounded Jatayu:
Clue - follow brave Jatayu’s trail of feathers to possibly another treasure.
Scene 7 ~ Ahalya’s liberation from rock to human:
Clue - You never know what surprises may nestle amidst rocks.
Scene 8 ~ Shabari offering berries to Rama:
Clue - feel the joy of sharing berries with each other.
Scene 9 ~ Hanuman bringing the mountain with the herbs to heal Laxman:
Clue - lift the mountain to find your treasure.
Scene 10 ~ Sita in Ashok Vatika:
Clue - led Hanuman to Sita.
Scene 11 ~ Hanuman finds Sita in Ashok Vatika & Sita gives him a ring to take back to Rama:
Clue - find your treasure nestled among the plants in the garden.
Scene 12 ~ Hanuman burning Lanka:
Clue - in the smoldering embers of burning Lanka, you may find a treasure.
Scene 13 ~ Vanars building a bridge to Lanka and Ram thanking the little squirrel for helping:
Clue - become a Vanar and help build the bridge for Rama.
Scene 14 ~ Hanuman flying across the ocean:
Clue - Fly like Hanuman across the ocean for the ultimate treasure.
Some more trail photos!
“It was an amazing Ramayana Trail Trek through the Forest, filled with all sorts of Treasures at each point! ... Unanimous Sentiment - we need this adventure for all ages including Adults!!” ~ Rathi Raja
Not only were these clues thought-provoking but they led to an amazing display of the scenes which can be seen in the photos taken by the wonderful Devan and Smitha. Our very own Rathi Raja said the following about the fantastic day, “It was an amazing Ramayana Trail Trek through the Forest, filled with all sorts of Treasures at each point! ... Unanimous Sentiment - we need this adventure for all ages including Adults!!” Everyone involved, whether it be through setting up or participation, can agree that this was a day well spent.
Video of Rathi Raja explaining the story behind this scene
This immersive experience brought the epic of the Ramayana to life, leaving everyone with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for this timeless story. This activity brings the realization that it truly is thrilling to learn more about one's culture through innovative methods.
In an age of social media, it is important to stay in touch with your roots as well as get outside and breathe in the fresh air in the absence of technology, and this day did exactly that. It is activities such as these that remind one to stay in touch with their culture and the omnipresent lessons that they teach.
More photos of people enjoying this wonderful day!
All photos are by Smitha Shetty and Devan Shah.
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