Raas (Manipuri dance Style)

Domain:Performing arts

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Description:

During the reign of the famous philosopher King Bhagyachandra, Vishnu worship gained popularity in the region of Manipur. It is said that the king was blessed with divine powers. Lord Krishna appeared in the dream of King Bhagyachandra in which He asked to have Raasleela performed by the people of Manipur. As desired by the King, Raas Leela was performed in the form of a dance that was choreographed by the king’s daughter. Raas Leela known as Raas in Manipur is a famous religious festival. Its music is an amalgamation of folk music of Manipur and classical Hindustani Ragas. It is performed in a circular area of the temple generally called the mandap. The performers are placed in a circular pattern where the character of Krishna is placed in the center and the Gopis stand around him in the mandap. The raas performance is practiced over a period of several months. The roles are taught to the students by a chief guru called Ojha who also strictly supervises the students. Manipur adopted the rites and rituals of Bengal Vaishnavism. By the 18th century, Manipur became the land of Vaishnavas with a distinctive cultural expression depicted in social and religious festivals.