Ramayan Breaks Viewership Records: 77 Million Global Viewers vs. MASH's 106 Million

On April 16, 2020, the TV adaptation of the ancient Indian epic Ramayan shattered the world record for the most-viewed entertainment program. According to DD National (Doordarshan National), 77 million people watched the telecast across the globe. While this may seem less than the 106 million viewers of the final episode of the American series MASH in 1983, the context of the event is quite different. Ramayan's unprecedented viewership can be attributed to its timely re-telecast during the global pandemic, making it a significant cultural milestone.

Context and Background

The Ramayan, an epic poem written by Valmiki, has been a cornerstone of Indian culture for centuries. Its popularity transcends generations, and its adaptations into various media forms have been celebrated the world over. During the nationwide lockdown imposed by the Indian government to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, Doordarshan National, the national television broadcaster, decided to re-telecast Ramayan as a source of comfort and cultural heritage for the nation.

Personal Touch: The Re-Telcast Announcement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the nationwide lockdown on March 24, 2020. The decision to re-telecast Ramayan on Doordarshan National soon after this announcement was a cultural and patriotic move that resonated with the people. This decision aimed to provide a source of comfort and unity during a time of crisis. The re-telecast not only connected people within India but also had a significant global viewership, given the diaspora of the Indian community.

The Global Impact

Doordarshan National's tweet on April 16 vividly captured the impact of this re-telecast: 'Rebroadcast of Ramayana on Doordarshan smashes viewership records worldwide. The show becomes the most watched entertainment show in the world with 7.7 crore viewers on 16th of April.' This tweet quickly garnered attention, with many users expressing their amazement at the scale of the viewership.

Comparing with MASH

To put the viewership figures in perspective, it is worth considering the comparison with the American television series MASH. The final episode of the series in 1983, which is considered a high watermark for viewership, had attracted nearly 106 million viewers. While the Ramayan re-telecast did not surpass this figure in absolute terms, it is significant for multiple reasons. Firstly, MASH was a modern Western series, while the Ramayan is an ancient cultural epic. Secondly, the re-telecast of Ramayan occurred in a more challenging context of a global pandemic, where people were confined to their homes and seeking sources of cultural comfort.

Conclusion

The viewership record set by the re-telecast of Ramayan is a testament to the enduring appeal of Indian culture and the role of television in connecting people across generations and borders. As we continue to confront unprecedented challenges, the power of shared cultural narratives becomes even more crucial. The global viewership of Ramayan during the lockdown of 2020 is a prime example of how television can serve as a unifying force in the face of adversity.