Day Two: Balivijayam

Balivijayam written by Kalloor Namboodiripad (1749-1824), is based on an episode from the Ramayana. Sage Narada visits King Ravana and, during their conversation, hints that a particular monkey claims to be unafraid of Ravana and should be subdued. Provoked, Ravana grabs his sword, but Narada tells him it’s unnecessary and leads him to the seashore, where Bali is praying. Bali, recognizing Ravana as his father, Indra’s vanquisher, decides to teach him a lesson. When Ravana tries to capture him, he ends up entangled in Bali’s tail, much to Narada’s amusement.