The New Nation - Internet Edition

According to traditions the 'Raas' is a drama performed on a circular stage. There are three main varieties of 'Raas Lila' prevalent today in Manipur. 'Basanta Raas' performed on the full moon day of Chaitra (Bengali month) represents the amorous scenes of the romance of Krishna and Radha. 'Kunja Raas' performed during Dasara depicts the daily meetings of the divine lovers Radha and Krishna. 'Maha Raas' performed on the full moon day of Bengali month Kartik (November) deals with the very romantic story of Krishna as a lover- be it with the Gopis or with Radha. Raas Purnima or Maha Raas as it is commonly called is mostly celebrated by the Manipuri community of Bangladesh. In the afternoon the festival begins with a dance depicting Lord Krishna's notorious young life. Children dress up as Krishna and perform in front of hundreds of devotees. In the evening begins Rash Nritya, a Manipuri style dance performed by young girls wearing traditional Manipuri garbs. This year different Manipuri communities living in Sylhet town have jointly celebrated the 'Maha Raas' at the Lamabazar Balaram Jiur Mandir. After the completion of the initial rituals the main celebration started at half past eleven at night and continued till five in the morning. Following traditions the devotees were entertained by Manipuri dancers in traditional costumes who put up a performance dealing with the Radha-Krishna love story and other religious issues.

Photos: A. H. Arif, Sylhet / DrikNEWS

Text: Humaira Fatima / DrikNEWS