Raas festival ends amid festivity

The Maha Raas Leela festival, celebrated by the indigenous Manipuri community in Moulvibazar and the Hindu community in Patuakhali and Bagerhat, concluded yesterday with colourful and lively celebrations.
In Moulvibazar, the festivities began on Friday morning and continued till yesterday morning in the Madhabpur and Adampur areas of Kamalganj upazila.
The celebrations featured traditional Rakhal dances performed by children at Joramandap in Madhabpur, followed by the night-long Raas dance, which depicted the divine plays (leelas) of Lord Sree Krishna. Manipuri artists performed these dances, captivating the audience with their skill.
Additionally, the Maitai Manipuri community held events at the Sana Thakur temple in Adampur to mark the occasion.
Laxman Singh, vice president of Madhabpur Manipuri Maharaasleela Seba Sangha, said, “We have been preparing for this festival for nearly a month. Many visitors came from near and far. The local administration, along with army, police, and BGB personnel, ensured security during the festival.”
In Patuakhali, the Hindu community observed the Raas festival in Kuakata with various activities, including ritual bathing in the sea, prayers at the Radha Krishna Temple in the town, Gita recitations, kirtans, cultural performances, and the distribution of prasad among devotees.
Sushil Sheel, a devotee from Madaripur, expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and security measures during the festivities.