Majuli’s Raas Utsav: A Celebration of Devotion and Drama
The world’s largest inhabited river island, Majuli in Assam, has begun its annual Raas Utsav with great devotion. This festival, rooted in the neo-Vaishnavite tradition founded by Srimanta Sankardeva, showcases the life of Lord Krishna through the play “Keli Gopal.”
Historical Significance
The Dakhinpat Satra is celebrating Raas for the 185th time. The festival, which began with the efforts of Vaishnavite saint Shri Shri Pitambar Deva Goswami, involves performances on 65 stages and attracts over 15,000 visitors daily.
Community Involvement
Prabhat Baruah of the Sanmilita Shilpi Samaj highlights the festival’s inclusivity, involving all community members. The plays run from 8:00 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., with actors rotating nightly while maintaining the original script.
Statewide Celebration
The Raas Leela, symbolizing the union of the individual soul with the supreme soul, is celebrated across Assam. Despite modern lighting, the drama’s originality remains intact. Funding is supported through ticket sales.
Visitor Experience
Janardhan Goswami of Uttar Kamala Bari Satra expects lakhs of devotees, offering free meals to 15,000 people daily. Himanshu Bezbaruah, a visitor, praises the unique experience of live performances in Majuli.
Tourism and Arrangements
Majuli anticipates over 50,000 tourists, with additional ferry services arranged. District Commissioner Ratul Chandra Pathak ensures smooth travel and security without disturbing visitors.
Pal Naam Tradition
The Auniati Satra continues its 371-year-old Pal Naam tradition, attracting around three lakh devotees. The event emphasizes universal welfare through prayers and kirtans.
Tourist Impressions
Jatin Thakur from Mumbai appreciates Majuli’s unique culture and the friendliness of its people, noting the mesmerizing experience of the festival.
Doubts Revealed
Majuli -: Majuli is a large river island located in the state of Assam, India. It is known for its unique culture and traditions.
Raas Utsav -: Raas Utsav is a festival celebrated in Majuli, focusing on the life of Lord Krishna. It involves plays and performances that depict stories from Krishna’s life.
Neo-Vaishnavite tradition -: The Neo-Vaishnavite tradition was started by Srimanta Sankardeva in Assam. It emphasizes devotion to Lord Vishnu, especially in the form of Krishna, through music, dance, and drama.
Srimanta Sankardeva -: Srimanta Sankardeva was a saint and cultural icon in Assam. He introduced the Neo-Vaishnavite tradition and promoted art and culture in the region.
Keli Gopal -: Keli Gopal is a play performed during the Raas Utsav. It tells stories from the life of Lord Krishna, showcasing his playful and divine acts.
Ferry services -: Ferry services are boats that transport people across water. In Majuli, they are used to help tourists and visitors reach the island for the festival.