Basant Raas, a form of Raas Leela from Manipur was showcased on the second day of ‘Outreach- Portraying the Culture of North East’, organised at Aryabhatta auditorium of Ranchi University on Friday.

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre Ranchi and Ranchi University in collaboration with the IGNCA North East Regional Centre is organising a three day event which started on March 28, showcasing the rich tradition of the north eastern states of Assam and Manipur.

A total of 22 artists will be performing at the programme during these three days. 

Raas Leela meaning the dance of divine love, narrates the story of Krishna, Radha and the Gopis. It is an important part of the traditional Manipuri culture which symbolises the spiritual love for Lord Krishna. It was first started as a dance form in 1779 by Ningthou Ching- Thang Khomba, also known as Rajarshi Bhagya Chandra, 18th century Meitei monarch.

In the traditional Raas Leela performances, songs were sung in the Vraj language which was later replaced by visual representations. There are five styles of Manipuri Raas Leela namely Vasanta Raas- performed during the full moon in March- April, Maha Raas- performed during the full moon in November- December. Nitya Raas, Kunja Raas and Diba Raas are performed during the day. Manipuri Raas Leela is unique in terms of character, costume and ornaments.

A musical jugalbandi of Bansi (flute), Khol (drum) and Jhaal (big cymbal) of the Sattriya tradition of Assam was also performed at the programme.

The audience was spell bound with the flamboyant art forms of the Manipuri and the Sattriya tradition, encouraging the performers with loud applause. Towards the end Dr Ajay Kumar Mishra, Regional Director, of IGNCA Ranchi centre thanked the distinguished guests present on the occasion.