Assam Chief Minister Launches Website to Promote 'Raas Leela' in Majuli

Majuli, October 30, 2019:

Ahead of the historic 'Raas Mahotsav' held annually in the State, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the website of the festival: http://majuliraas.in/.

"The portal is expected to act as a guide for both domestic and international tourists, disseminating information on the festival along with its significance and importance", the Chief Minister wrote on Twitter.

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'Raas Leela’ is celebrated in Majuli at the different Satra institutions, permanent community halls, and in temporary stage pandals arranged by the organizers.

This festival attracts thousands of tourists each year. 'Raas Leela' is a spiritual function and the original story is taken from the ‘Bhagawat Purana’.

Neo Vaishnavite spiritual leader Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev had brought down the story from ‘Bhagawat Purana’ and on the basis of the narration in the Purana he composed a poetic chapter in his religious book the " Kirtana".

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He also composed an Ankiya Drama the “Keligopal” which is the foundation of 'Raas Leela' in Assam.

Sankadeva incorporated spiritual under current and philosophical ideas in the drama. Apparently, the theme of Keligopal seems to be an erotic expression but it is infused with the spirit of devotion to Lord Krishna.

Its ultimate message is to surrender ourselves from the bondage of ‘Maya’ for salvation. The activities of Lord Krishna from childhood to adolescence depicted in Keligopal, significantly express the meaning of control over sensual pleasure and to engage our soul and merge with the super soul of the universe.

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