Ras Mela is the principal festival and fair of the Manipuris. It is also observed by some Hindus at different places. The Moha Ras Lila festival of the Manipuri community of Kamalganj upazila in Moulvibazar district concluded on Monday. Thousands of people thronged the festival venue and enjoyed the nightlong programme. The festival is held each year during Purnima (full moon), between the Bangla months of late Kartik and early Agrahayan. This year, around one lakh people from across the country gathered at the Manipuri populated Madhabpur and Adampur villages of Kamalganj.
The Ras Lila festival celebrates the boyhood of Lord Sri Krishna. In Shibbazar “Jora Mondop” (Manipuri temple) of Madhabpur village, the major venue of Moha Ras Lila, the programme began with a presentation of “Gustha Lila” (farmer-boy dance). Several Manipuri boys made up as “Gopal” (the young Krishna) and his “Sokha” (friends), performed dances to the beat of musical instruments.
The raja of Manipur, Maharaj Jaysingh (reign 1764-1799) introduced Ras Mela to Manipuri society. Since the mid-nineteenth century when the Manipuris settled in Bangladesh, this fair has been observed at Madhabpur, Moulvibazar district.
The love trysts of Krishna and Radha are enacted through Manipuri music and dance drama. Crowds of viewers, including foreigners, throng the place to see the fair.
Besides Ras Lila, a discussion, reception, presentation of martial arts, handicraft fair and other cultural events were also held.
-With The Daily Star input
