Tripura celebrates lord Krishna's Raas Leela

Agartala, Nov 5 (ANI): Thousands of Manipur devote celebrated "Maha Raas", a festival celebrating the love life of Lord Krishna in Tripura.

The 'Maha Raas' is celebrated every year on the full moon day known as 'Kartik Poornima' as per the Hindu almanac.

Girls in traditional attire enacted the role of 'Gopies' (cow-herd girls) and danced around the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha.

According to the locals, the Maha Raas celebrations in Tripura date back to over centuries when the queen of Manikya Dynasty from Manipur brought the idol of Radha-Krishna and established a Radsamadhav temple in the region.

Although Raas is a festival of Manipuri community, today both Hindus and Muslims along with the hundreds of tribals celebrate this festival.

Pradyot Kishore Dev Barman, the scion of erstwhile Manikya dynasty termed this festival as one of communal amity.

"It is important for the national integration as it is in Tripura that people from all the communities gather to celebrate this festival. Next year, we want to celebrate this festival on a larger scale and want to set an example for the whole northeast, as it is only in Tripura where all the traditions are accepted," said Pradyot Dev Barman, scion of erstwhile royal Manikya dynasty of Tripura, Agartala.

He further mentioned that such bonhomie plays a vital role in bringing back peace in this small state, which has militancy.

One of the organisers of the grand fete noted that although the celebrations have been in vogue since 1798, this festival reflects the social ethos of Tripura.

"This festival is being celebrated since the year 1798 and this is the 212th year of celebrations. Tripura's king Rajdhar Manikya Bahadur married the daughter of Manipur's Bhagya Chanda, who established this Radhamadhav temple here. This is the genesis of the Raas Lila in this state," said R G Bhattarjee, organiser of the festivities. By Pinaki Das (ANI)