Members of the Manipuri community in Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar are passing busy days with preparations for the Maha Rasleela.
Sounds of drums, ceremonial bells, songs and dance rhythms have created a vibrant ambience ahead of the community's most significant religious and cultural event that celebrates devotion and joy through a blend of tradition.
This year, the festival will be celebrated on November 5, coinciding with Ras Purnima.
Two major celebrations will take place this year -- the 183rd Maha Ras festival of the Bishnupriya (Manipuri) community at Jora Mandap in Madhabpur, and the 40th Maha Ras festival of the Meetoi (Manipuri) community at the Adampur Manipuri Cultural Complex. Thousands of visitors from home and abroad are expected to attend the festivities.
According to community elders, King Bhagyachandra of Manipur first introduced the Maha Ras festival. The first Maha Ras festival outside Manipur was held in 1842 at Madhabpur in Kamalganj upazila.
The festival begins with the Gosthaleela or Rakhal Dance performance from dawn to dusk. The main event, Sri Sri Krishna's Maha Rasleela, starts around 11:30pm and continues till dawn the next day, as dancers in traditional attire perform devotional dances celebrating Lord Krishna.
During a recent visit to Madhabpur, Majergaon, Shimultola and Adampur areas, this correspondent found that preparations had been going on for the past two weeks. Trainers were seen guiding young Manipuri dancers through intricate movements and rhythmic patterns, with rehearsals continuing late into the night.
"We have grown up watching Manipuri dance since childhood. Maha Ras is our biggest celebration. Through this festival, we proudly showcase our culture and traditions. We prepare with great enthusiasm every year," said Nishamoni Sinha, a dancer preparing for the event.
Trainer Sajal Kumar Sinha said the final stages of preparation are underway for the performances.
Sonaton Hamom, a prominent Manipuri author, said the Rasleela is not only a religious occasion but also a deep cultural tradition for the Manipuri people.
"The excitement is palpable as the final touches are being put on the decorations for the festival, while participants are busy rehearsing the traditional Ras dance," he added.
Makhon Chandra Sutradhar, upazila nirbahi officer in Kamalganj, said stringent security measures have been taken to ensure a peaceful celebration. Police, Rab, and army personnel will be on patrol to maintain law and order during the festival, he added.