Like many other Hindu festivals, Raas is also a festival related to Lord Krishna. Raas festival in Nalbari has been celebrated since 1933 and it is now regarded as one of the biggest festival of lower Assam.
The Raas festival of lower Assam is quite different from that of upper Assam. In upper Assam, ‘Krishna Leelas’ are shown in dramatical form by acting according to a drama. But in lower Assam, ‘Krishna Leelas’ are shown by displaying different idols and masks arranged chronologically. Modern technique, skill, light and sound are used extensively for decoration and make it more attractive. The Raas festival of upper Assam is observed in lower Assam as "Raas Mela".
On a full-moon night of autumn, the melodious tune of the flute of Sri Krishna had infatuated the milk-women of Gokula. Keeping all aside, they ran after the tune to Brindavana, by the side of river Yamuna. The moon in the clear sky shone brilliantly with full bloom. The dazzling stars of the sky played hide and seek over the silvery white water of Yamuna. The nature with all its scenic beauty glowed like a newly-wedded bride. In such a scintillating weather, milk-women of all ages ran to the bank of Yamuna to meet their heartthrob Lord Krishna. In a frenzy of passion they played, danced with Lord Krishna for the whole night of autumn. Lord Krishna, with his full capacity did dance with every one of them.
Raas is not regarded only as an amorous sport of Lord Krishna with the milk-women of Gokula.
It is one of “Krishna Leelas” (sports of Krishna) where a complete devotion of mind and soul to Lord Krishna is attached. “Raas” means “dancing in delight”. Encircling Krishna, the milk-women of Gokula danced with joy and merriment, leaving aside their personal lives.
Here, a picture is taken from puja mandap at the Hari Mandir complex, Nalbari. Where the main Raas puja is held with a large idol of Radha-Krishna installed along with several pairs of Gopi-Krishna idols.
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