Dance of divine love

Mumit M

06 November, 2020, 10:45 am

Last modified: 06 November, 2020, 03:25 pm

When I used to perform in theatre back in the day, I got to see some of Manipuri drama productions.

A kid is getting ready for the Rakhal Nritya. Elderly and experienced members of the family are familiar with the customs of multi-layered costumes. Photo: Mumit M

I was very impressed with their performance and began to delve deeper into Manipuri culture.

Boy dressed as Lord Krishna rides a bike with his parents, on their way to Jora Mandap. Photo: Mumit M

That is when I came to know about Raas Leela festival.

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File photo. Boys wearing colourful dresses and ornaments, perform Rakhal Nritya which depicts the childhood stories of Lord Krishna. Photo: Mumit M

Every year, the Bishnupriya Manipuri community living in Bangladesh celebrates Raas Leela at the Madhabpur Jora Mandap, in Kamalganj upazila under Moulvibazar district.

A priest prepares the offerings before a ritual. Photo: Mumit M

A celebration of the divine love of Radha and Krishna, Raas Leela is a colourful ethnic festival of Bangladesh, which also takes place simultaneously in India.

Local visitors in colourful dresses roam at the Raas Mela, buying things. Photo: Mumit M

Manipuris have been celebrating this festival - a very important part of their culture - on the Purnima Tithi (full moon) in November every year.

Kids enjoy a ride after a long day of wearing heavy costumes and several hours of performance. Photo: Mumit M

The celebration includes Rakhal Nritya (dance of Sri Krishna and the cowherds), Kirtan, Natpala and Raas Leela (dance of Sri Krishna, Radha and the milk maids).

A girl is preparing for the performance at Raas Leela. Photo: Mumit M

Raas Mela (fair) is also a part of the festival. Small traders gather with products that include Manipuri handicrafts, household items, toys etc.

Parents pay attention to every detail of the makeover as participants bring honour to the family within the community. Photo: Mumit M

Thousands of people, irrespective of caste and creed, from different areas of the country flock to enjoy Raas Leela.

Spectators watch the night-long ritualistic performance of Raas Leela. Photo: Mumit M

This year, the 178^th Maha Raas Leela is scheduled to be celebrated on 30 November.

Girls dressed as Radha and Gopis perform at Raas Leela. Photo: Mumit M

However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the celebration will be on a limited scale.

Radha and Gopis get emotional at the end of the performance which depicts the sorrow of separation from Krishna. Photo: Mumit M

Mumit M is a Senior Photo Journalist working for The Business Standard.