Md. Mosabbir Ali, Kulaura :
The day- long traditional Rash Mela of Manipuri ethnic community has begun on Sunday amid tight security at Kamalganj Upazila of Moulvibazar district .
Rash Mela is the main festival and fair of the Manipuris. It is also observed by some Hindus at different places.
The Mela of the Manipuri community of Kamalganj Upazila in Moulvibazar district started on Sunday morning. Thousands of people thronged the festival venue and will enjoy the nightlong programme.
The festival is held each year during Purnima (full moon), between the Bangla months of late Kartik and early Agrahayan. This year, around one lakh people from across the country gathered at the Manipuri populated Madhabpur and Adampur villages of Kamalganj.
The raja of Manipur, Maharaj Jaysingh (reign 1764-1799) introduced Ras Mela to Manipuri society. Since the mid-nineteenth century when the Manipuris settled in Bangladesh, this fair has been observed at Madhabpur, Moulvibazar district.
The love trysts of Krishna and Radha are enacted through Manipuri music and dance drama. Crowds of viewers, including foreigners, throng the place to see the fair.
The day- long traditional Rash Mela of Manipuri ethnic community has begun on Sunday amid tight security at Kamalganj Upazila of Moulvibazar district .
Rash Mela is the main festival and fair of the Manipuris. It is also observed by some Hindus at different places.
The Mela of the Manipuri community of Kamalganj Upazila in Moulvibazar district started on Sunday morning. Thousands of people thronged the festival venue and will enjoy the nightlong programme.
The festival is held each year during Purnima (full moon), between the Bangla months of late Kartik and early Agrahayan. This year, around one lakh people from across the country gathered at the Manipuri populated Madhabpur and Adampur villages of Kamalganj.
The raja of Manipur, Maharaj Jaysingh (reign 1764-1799) introduced Ras Mela to Manipuri society. Since the mid-nineteenth century when the Manipuris settled in Bangladesh, this fair has been observed at Madhabpur, Moulvibazar district.
The love trysts of Krishna and Radha are enacted through Manipuri music and dance drama. Crowds of viewers, including foreigners, throng the place to see the fair.
Besides Ras Lila, a discussion, reception, presentation of martial arts, handicraft fair and other cultural events will also held.
Advocate Chad Murari Sopon, President of Moha Ras Lila Seba Sangha, an organiser of Manipuri Ras Lila confirmed the matter to The New Nation. He said, I give thanks government to tight security in the areas.
Bodrul Hasan officer-in-charge of Kamalganj police station said that members of law enforcing agencies including Rapid Action Battalion and police had been deployed in the entire Kamalganj and the venue of the festival to ensure security.
As part of security measures, additional policemen were deployed around the area “as per orders from the high ups,” the OC said.
