Rasa Leela: Charming and Ritualistic Classical Dance of India
Manipuri dance is one of the six major classical dances of
India. It is indigenous to Manipur, the North eastern state of India. The
Manipuri dance is mostly ritualistic and draws heavily from the rich culture of
the state of Manipur. Costumes used in the Manipur dance are colourful and the
music carries a quaint charm. Among the various dances, Rasa Leela dance is one
of the most famous Manipur dance in India.
Rasa Leela dance was introduced for the first time in
Manipur by Bhagyachandra Maharaj in the 15TH century. It reveals the
sublime love of Lord Krishna and Radha including the devotion of Gopies to the
lord. Rasa Leela dance is the famous
dance of Manipur culture invoking deep feelings of people illustrates the
eternal love of Radha and Krishna as been described in the Hindu scriptures and
Puranas and also reveals the history of Manipur.
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| Artists performing the Rasa Leela Dance on stage |
There are five different forms of Rasa Leela dance such as:
1)Maha Rasa performed during the Kartik Purnima celebrated in the month of
October 2)Kunja Rasa performed during Ashvin Purnima celebrated in the month of
December 3) Basanta Rasa performed during Chaitena Purnima celebrated in the month
of March 4) Diva Rasa which is performed during daytime and 5) Nitya Rasa
performed without any restriction of time, as to the season of the year.
Rasa performances are seasonal and varied. Some are even
performed at the temple of Shree Govindajee in Imphal at night on occasion of
Basanta Purnima, Sarada Purnima, Kartik Purnima and at local temples
afterwards.
The composition of dance is a combination of solo, duet and
group performance depending upon time of performance. This is highly stylized
form of dance with the richness of the costumes similarly gives luster to the
beauty of the art and cultures.
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