Maha raasleela by Uma Sharma combines traditional raas of Vrindavan with classical Kathak, a field in which Sharma has done considerable research. The choreography blends her creativity with passion for Kathak. She dedicated the choreography to late Kamladevi Chattopadhyaya.
The ballet is based on the the text when lord Krishna decided to dance withgopis on a full moon night. This show of affection and lavish attention by the supreme lord soon made the gopis proud. Sensing this, Krishna decided to teach them a lesson. He along with Radha disappeared. Radha also was proud to get Krishna’s attention. He left her too. When the gopis realised that Krishna was not amongst them they were restless. They started looking for him everywhere to diminish their sorrow, they started enacting scenes from Krishna’s life. One of them acted Makhan chori leela. Other acted as Putana the devil, who had come with poisoned milk to feed baby Krishna. Another relived the lifting of Govardhan Parvat as Krishna had done to save his villagers from the wrath of the Rain God. They danced the story of Krishna. When Krishna felt their restlessness he returned to be with the gopis.
To satisfy and pacify the gopis Krishna started the maharaas dance which is a spiritual experience. With his supreme powers he multiplied his form so that each gopi felt that Krishna was at her side and dancing with her alone.