The increasing influence of television and the durga puja has played a role in distracting the common man from this traditional staging of the life and exploits of Lord Rama, say old timers of the city.

Howvever, Sant Param Hans Ram Chandra Das disagrees with the view that the Ramleela was losing its appeal. It only needs to be organised on a larger scale and in an attractive manner to draw the crowds again, he said.

While conceding that last few years have seen a greater attraction of the youth towards the Durga puja, the sant said this should not disappoint the lovers of Ramleela as it has a great potential to fire the enthusiasm and imagination of the people. This has been proved by the overhwelmingresponse to the serial `Ramayan'' telecast by Doordarshan, he said.

According to Faizabad city magistrate and administrator of Ramjanki temple Digvijay Singh, the main reason for the Durga Puja pandals attracting more people was the variety and colourful nature of the programmes while the staging of the Ramleela does not permit much variation due to its very nature.

Besides puja, there are other programmes like the Punjabi keertan and the jagran which attract crowds to the Durga puja pandals, Singh added.

This year Ramleela is being staged at only six places in Ayodhya in contrast to the 23 Durga puja pandals being set up. In adjoining Faizabad, durga puja fever has gripped the city and the durga puja samities are leaving no stone unturned to score over one another.