According to the scriptures, one night Lord Krishna played his flute and the Gopis of Vrindavan joined him in a night of dancing. The term "Raas Leela" roughly means Dance of Devine Love. The dance form tells the story of Krishna, Radha and the Gopis, and is considered as Krishna's favourite thing to do. The Raas Leela is an important part of the traditional Manipuri culture. When the dancers perform the Raas Leela, it symbolises the spiritual love for Lord Krishna. It is one of the most important part of Manipuri classical Indian dance. The Raas Leela was first started as a dance form in 1779 by Ningthou Ching-Thang Khomba, also known as Rajarshi Bhagya Chandra, a 18th century Meitei monarch.
How does the word "Leela" meaning 'act' fit in here Back in the time of traditional Raas Leela performances in Vrindavan, the songs were sung in Vraj language which many followers and devotees found it quite hard to follow. The need for a visual representation was felt. Thus started the enactments. The dancers or actors still follow the traditional form of dance and music.
In Manipur, Raas Leela is big and spiritual. The Manipuri Raas Leela are of five kinds Vasanta Raas - performed during the full moon of March-Arpil Maha Raas - only performed on the full moon period of November-December Nitya Raas Kunja Raas and Diba Raas - to be performed only during the day. The Manipuri Raas Leela is unique, not only in terms of character but also costume. The look is indigenous and the costume consists of embroidered stiff skirt, light muslin garment on top, white veil and traditional Manipuri jewellery. In the past, Manipur has hosted Raas Leela Festival where many groups participated.
