Manipuri Ras Leela

Ras Lila, an epitome of the Manipuri classical dance, is a highly stylized form of art noted for its sublimity, subtlety and grace. It is a combination of solo, duet and group dances and is generally performed in an enclosure in front of a temple throughout the night, during special occasions. The richness of the costume adds to its charm.

Ras Lila is performed at the temple of Shri Govindajee in Imphal on the nights of Basanta Poornima, Sarada Poornima and Kartik Poornima, followed by performances at local temples. Devotees watch the performances with a deep sense of devotion.

The Ras Lila, the epitome of Manipuri classical dance is inter-woven through the celestial and eternal love of Radha and Krishna as has been described in the Hindu scriptures and reveals the sublime and transcendental love of Krishna and Radha and the Gopies 's devotion to the Lord. It is generally performed in an enclosure in front of the temple throughout the night and watched with a deep sense of devotion.

The five Ras Lilas that enact the divine love of Krishna and Radha are Maha ras, Vasant ras, Kunja ras, Nitya ras and Diva ras. The exponents of the Ras Lila dances are different. Maha ras, Kunja ras and Basant ras were of Rajrishi Bhagyachandra Maharaj and Nityaras of Shrijut Chandrakirti Maharaj. Other Ras dances deal with various aspects of Krishna's life such as Karnavedha, marriage, and such other occasions.

There are different kinds of Ras-dances. They are:
1. Maharas - perforemd in the full moon day (purnima tithi) of Kartik (October-November) based on Shrimad Bhagavata Panchyadhyaya.

2. Kunjaras - perforemd in the full moon day of Agrahayan (November-December) based on Brahma Beibarta Purana.

3. Basantaras - perforemd in the full moon day of Falgun (April) and Chaitra (May) based on Govinda Lila Amrita.

4. Nityaras - can be played on any auspicious night based on Govinda Lila Amrita. First introduced by Shrijut Chandrakirti Maharaj.

5. Dibaras - Often termed as Beliras; can be played in all months on any auspicious day, based on Govinda Lila Amrita.


Ras performances are seasonal and varied and performed at temples of Manipuri inhabited areas in Bangladesh, Tripura and Assam and also in the temple of Shree Shree Govindajee in Imphal. Manipuri Maharasa, the yearly festival is being observed by the Bangladeshi Manipuris since 1845, during the full-moon-day of the month of October/November in ShivBazar JuraMandap, Madhabpur (A thickly Manipuri populated area of Moulvibazar district). Here hundreds of young Manipuri girls wearing the tradition Rasa dresses, dances all the night in three temples situated side by side in an equal manner. People from home and abroad flock to enjoy this festival.