The Rash Mela is an annual fair famous in the Nabadwip, Cooch Behar, and Sundarbans in West Bengal, India. It is a festival of love remembering the divine love of Lord Sri Krishna and Radha.
It is a month-long festival succeeded by the Rash Yatra displaying clay deities of Lord Krishna and Radha demonstrating the life of Lord Krishna and his various miracles and deeds. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Kartik. This year, Rash Mela will be celebrated from 19th November onwards starting from the auspicious full moon night and continuing till the next full moon.
Let us know the history behind The Rash Mela
The holy texts mention having a special significance of the Rash Yatra. Sri Krishna’s union with the Gopini’s with Dance & Songs is expressed in the Rash Lila towards the later part of Autumn. The word ‘Mela’ signifies ‘Milan’ and here it is the union of devotees of different religions gets together to celebrate the divine love of Radha and Krishna. The Royal family of Cooch Behar, King Krishna Chandra Roy of Nadia introduced this festival at Nabadwip.
How is the Rash Mela celebrated?
The most popular annual festival of Bengal is celebrated in honor of Lord Krishna and his eternal love Sri Radhika. It is heralded with melodious songs, dance, and folk stories. The Rash Mela starts for a month after the popular procession called Rash Yatra which is organized to memorize the glorious days of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan.
A festival is a form of communal celebration where visitors from distant places come to Cooch Behar to witness the carnival. Various idols are worshipped in different pandals with beautiful decorations of light and various types of sola-made ornaments which are mesmerizing insights. The ‘Daker Saaj’ is a special kind of drum whose beats are heard rampantly in the pandals. The music and melody of Flutes, Banjos, Mridangas, and Kartals create a divine experience and soothing harmony to the ears of the visitors.
Cultural activities also conducted for a month-long program
Cultural programs are organized providing a platform for singers, dancers, and musicians. Artists are also invited to perform during the festival and create a festive mood for all the visitors. There are also many stalls installed to taste the various delicacies of Bengali dishes at these stalls. It also stages local handicrafts and different products for sale which makes everyone aware of the art and culture of the local people.
