The costume is ready.
A tiny bow and arrow wait on the table. A yellow dhoti is folded neatly on the bed. There’s a little crown too.
Your child looks at everything and asks, “But how will everyone know I’m Ram?”
That’s where makeup can play a huge part. The trick is to suggest the character rather than completely transform your child's face.
If your child wishes to dress up as Lord Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Lakshman or another Ramleela character, here are some simple, age-appropriate kids makeup ideas you can try for Dussehra.
How can you create a simple Lord Rama makeup look?
Lord Rama is probably one of the easiest Ramleela characters to create a simple makeup look for. For this, you don't need a heavily painted face - a tilak and a beautiful costume are enough.
1. Start with a clean face
Wash your child's face and let the skin dry before applying anything.
2. Add a simple tilak
The tilak is the most recognisable detail of the look. Keep it neat and simple rather than trying to recreate elaborate stage makeup.
3. Add a little colour
If your child enjoys makeup, a small amount of age-appropriate blush can add warmth to the face.
4. Keep the eyes simple
There's no need for dramatic eye makeup. The crown, costume, tilak and bow will already do most of the work.
5. Finish with the costume
A yellow or saffron outfit, a small crown, bow and arrow, and a simple necklace can complete the look.
What does a simple Sita-inspired look need?
A Sita-inspired look can be soft, traditional, and colourful without heavy makeup. Start with the child's regular clean face and focus on a few festive details.
You can try:
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A small bindi
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A little rosy blush
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A soft lip colour or child-appropriate lip product
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A tiny amount of shimmer, if the product is intended for facial use
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Traditional jewellery
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Flowers or a neat braid in the hair
The hairstyle is more important than the makeup here. A braid decorated with flowers or a simple traditional hairstyle can make the character feel complete without any makeup.
How can you create a fun Hanuman-inspired look?
This is where children may want something more playful.
Unlike Rama or Sita, you can bring Hanuman to life with face paint that highlights his distinctive facial features. But you don't have to paint the entire face.
Instead:
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Use face paint specifically made for facial use.
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Add a small amount of colour around the cheeks.
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Create simple lines to suggest the character's facial features.
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Add a small nose or forehead detail if your child enjoys face painting.
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Pair it with ears, a crown or headpiece and a tail as part of the costume.
There's no need to cover the entire face just because a professional Ramleela performer might use heavier stage makeup.
Kids' makeup vs face paint: What's the difference? Read our guide to find out!
What can you do for a simple Lakshman look?
Lakshman's look can be kept very similar to Rama's. The costume and accessories can establish the character, while the makeup stays minimal.
Try:
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A simple tilak
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Light blush, if desired
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Neat, natural-looking brows
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Traditional jewellery or accessories
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A simple hairstyle
How can you make a Ravana look more dramatic?
You can make the Ravana look theatrical, but you don't need to cover your child's entire face with dark or heavy makeup. Instead, focus on one or two strong details.
For example:
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Bold eyebrows
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A simple forehead design
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Slightly darker face-paint details
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A moustache drawn with cosmetic face paint
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A dramatic crown or headpiece
The ten-headed crown or costume will immediately communicate the character.
Final Thoughts
By the time the makeup is done, the child is usually far more interested in the bow, crown or gada than in whether their tilak is perfectly straight.
Ramleela is about stepping into a story, and children don't need elaborate makeup to do that. A few familiar details can be enough to make them feel like Rama, Sita, Hanuman or any character they have chosen to play.
So keep the makeup easy, let your child have a say in the look, and don't worry if the final result isn't picture-perfect.
Ready for the Dussehra dress-up? Find Ayurvedic kids makeup for little Rama, Sita, Hanuman and more at Mishmash Naturals.
FAQs
1. What makeup is used for Ramleela?
Ramleela performers may use theatrical makeup to make facial features visible on stage. For children, however, a lighter version is usually enough for a costume or family celebration. Use only products intended for facial application, and follow the instructions.
2. Can I use poster paint for Ramleela makeup?
No, poster paint, acrylic paint and other craft paints should not be used as substitutes for cosmetic face paint. Use products specifically intended for application to kids' skin.
3. Can I create a Ramleela look without using makeup?
Absolutely, costumes, crowns, jewellery, hairstyles and character-specific props can make the character recognisable without putting any makeup on the child's face.