Also known as “Rasa” is a dance form belonging to the north of India known as Raas Leela. This “Lord Krishna dedicated” dance style derives its origins from sacred cities such Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. This dance style has been essentially created from religious Hindu scriptures such as the “Bhagavata Purana” in which Lord Krishna’s dance with his love Radha and her “saakhis” (i.e. friends) have been described in details. In addition, the “Raas Leela” form of dancing has also been incorporated in a few classical Indian dance styles such as the Manipuri, Kathak, and Bharatnatayam.
a. History/origin of the Raas Leela:
According to popular folklore, the “Raas Leela” form of dancing has developed from the stories revolving around Lord Krishna childhood days in Vrindavan. It is said that once in Vrindavan during the festival of Holi, Lord Krishna happened to see young boys and girls on the banks of the River Yamuna dance in sheer joy. This visual of seeing young male and female dance out of sheer gladdened Krishna’s heart. Unfortunately, though this joy did not last long as the children out of boredom slowly began to stop being playful. Sensing this sudden change in atmosphere Krishna then began playing flute.
Now, so soothing was the music played by Krishna, that it compelled the children to gather around Krishna and start dancing for almost half the night. It was therefore this dance created by these children on Krishna’s wonderful music that was eventually named “Raas Leela”, and has since passed on from one generation to another.
b. Costumes used in the Raas Leela:
The costume used in this form of dancing is purely based on the attire worn in the city of “Vrindavan”. Since this dance style involves both Krishna and Radha and the “gopiyas/saakhis” (i.e. male and female) they vary accordingly as follows:
1. For males:
The costume used is essentially what Krishna used to wear i.e. a colourful dhoti mainly yellow in colour to cover the lower body, an upper body that is covered mainly with heavy ornaments, and a headgear comprising of peacock feathers.
2. For females:
The attire mainly used includes, the ghagra which covers the lower part of the body, the choli which covers the upper part of the body along with a dupatta.
c. Music involved in the Raas Leela:
The music used in this dance form is extremely slow and rhythmic, and involves the use of instruments such as drums and cymbals.
d. Training availability and the dance technique of the Raas Leela:
This dance form usually performed in a mandap decorated using beautiful green leaves. The centre of the mandap is occupied by one male and female dancer representing Lord Krishna and Radha respectively. In addition, dancing around (in a circle) the main characters to the “slow and rhythmic” accompanying music are a group of female performers representing the traditional “gopiyas/saakhis. In terms of training schools/centres there are too few institutes in the country that provide for training in this rather pious dance form.