JORHAT, Nov 9 - For the first time a cultural troupe of Manipur has been scheduled to perform Sri Krishna Rass Leela on stage in the historic Dakhinpat satra of river-island Majuli, which is gearing up to greet travel-weary visitors from far and wide during the major crowd-puling event Rassmohotsav from November 24 to 27.
Organisers said that no dramatic performance of Rass Leela could be seen earlier on the stage at the age-old satra which has completed 175 years of glorious celebration of Rassmohotsav with utmost devotion to Lord Krishna. Keeping in mind the old traditional practices of Sattriya culture dramatic performances of Rass were done earlier inside its namghar even during the festival. The festival is based on the central theme of spiritual love and victory over evils which is depicted through the life of Lord Krishna.
�We know that Manipur�s artistes contributed to our celebration more than hundred years ago. Their performance this time will remind everyone about the cultural unity and brotherhood between the two States of the North-eastern region,� said the secretary of the organising committee Dibakar Saikia.
Saikia also said sitting beside the stage on the final day of the festival audience will get the aroma of Manipuri culture and tradition in the Vaishnavite pilgrims� centre as 27 members of the cultural troupe will showcase their composite art drama and music in their own way in Manipuri language.
Besides Dakhinpat, many other historic satras and cultural groups in Kamalabari, Garmur and many other localities started their rehearsal of drama and music to make the festival a grand success. One can get a whiff of celebration in the air while strolling through moist pathways of the remote villages in the breezy evenings. Apart from preparations for music, dance and drama, the traditional art of mask-making also takes centre stage during the festival.
