Annual Raas Mahotsav Begins In Assam's Majuli — Here's All You Need To Know

The district-size river island over the mighty river Brahmaputra has dozens of Vaishnavite monasteries, locally known as Satras, and the Raas festival is organised in grand style.

Raas Mahotsav 2023

Source : PTI Images

The annual Raas Mahotsav is approaching, and what better place to immerse oneself in Lord Krishna bhakti than Majuli in Assam? The annual Raas Mahotsav or Raas Leela festival has begun in Majuli, Assam, the world's largest inhabited river island. According to a report by news agency ANI, Majuli is the central concept of Assamese Neo-Vaishnavism. The district-size river island over the mighty river Brahmaputra has dozens of Vaishnavite monasteries, locally known as Satras, and the Raas festival is organised in grand style, preserving the festival's pure essence.

#WATCH | Assam: The annual Sri Krishna Raas Mahotsav in its full glory began on Majuli island, yesterday pic.twitter.com/2Nsuexjkn6

— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2023

Raas Mahotsav Celebrations: 

According to ANI, 'Bhaona', a traditional form of drama in which artists portray various mythological characters, is performed by locals during Raas celebrations. Srimanta Sankardeva, a social-religious reformer and important figure in Assamese cultural and religious history, founded 'Bhaona' in the fifteenth or sixteenth century.

Thousands of people witnessed the Raas performance at various monasteries on Monday night. Some of the major monasteries are located in Auniati, Dakhinpat, Uttar Kamalabari, Natun Kamalabari, and Garmur satras.

The Majuli people have been performing Lord Krishna's Raas Leela for centuries in order to pay their respects to him. Raas is widely celebrated in upper Assam districts, with people dressing up as various Indian mythological characters. One of the main features of the dance is the use of locally made masks.

Whereas, statues of mythological figures are installed for public viewing. Starting this year, the Assam government, led by Himanta Biswa Sarma, is financially assisting Raas committees. The state government transfers ₹25,000 each to about 3,000 organisers across the state. The Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government also provides ₹150,000 and ₹10,000 to Rongali Bihu and Durga Puja organisers.

"Our commitment to preserving and promoting our culture is of utmost importance. Starting this year, we will be providing a financial grant of ₹25,000 for celebrating the Rass Festival in 3,000 locations. This initiative aims to support and encourage the celebration of this traditional festival across our region," said Assam CM recently in an X post. CM Sarma is scheduled to visit Majuli to participate in Raas Mahotsav later today.