The actor crosses the battlefield and touches Rama's feet in humble surrender. A three-hour celebration ensues. It's a great, happy picnic on a warm early autumn night. People are eating, singing, socializing, flirting and praying. Towering over the scene is Ravana's giant effigy.
Firecrackers explode, bamboos crackle, sprays of sparks shoot out.
The customary five hot-air balloons ride into the sky. Ravana's mighty spirit rises heavenward. The balloons soar into the clouds until they are no more than little yellow specks. One group that always gains maximum pleasure and devotion from Ramlila are the sadhus, holy men who have renounced worldly goods, live on alms and spend their days and nights singing praises to the gods. The Maharajah provides all sadhus with daily rations of rice and lodging.