Rasalila specifically indicates a circular dance of the gopis with Krishna, and as well, playful pastimes in which the participants taste the flavor of Lord Krishna`s company. Rasalila specifically indicates a circular dance of the gopis with Krishna, and as well, playful pastimes in which the participants taste the flavor of Lord Krishna`s company. Lord Krishna is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. An important aspect of Lord Krishna`s childhood was the dance with the gopis (milkmaids), which was the highest form of expression of their devotion to the Lord. Krishna enjoyed the dance of love (rasalila) with the gopis many of whom are expansions of His own internal energies. Vishnu Purana illustrates that the intense love that gopis had for Krishna was a form of devotion to god and through this the devotee was performing Bhakti, a form of religious practice advocated in the Bhagvad Gita. This beautiful dance would occur in the autumn season at night under a full moon when Lord Krishna would captivate the young gopis with the extraordinary music of His flute. These mysterious pastimes constitute the most confidential expression of divinity ever revealed.

Every Indian state has a distinct folk dance, which is special only to a particular state. The Raslilas are among the rare art forms of India, where many steps or the dancing styles differ according to the states, but the central theme & graphic precision remains the same. Although the dance is dedicated to a single common entity-Lord Krishna, the way it is performed throughout India is very distinct from the different regions. States like Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and others do perform this similar folk dance, but the way of presentation is surely different from the other. Given below are the Raslila`s as performed in various Indian states.

1. Manipuri Rasalila:
In its actual meaning, the Manipuri Rasalila specially depicts the connection of the individual soul with the spirit of the Supreme Being. The composition of dance is a combination of solo, duet and group performance depending upon time of performance. This is highly stylized form of dance with the richness of the costumes similarly gives luster to the beauty of the art & culture. Thus, the dance performance includes, eye catching stylish movements and various graceful gestures and these are controlled in such a way that they acquire a touch of spiritual force.

It is said that there are five different form of Manipur Rasalila, such as: (i) Maha Rasa performed during kartik Purnima celebrated in the month of October.
(ii) Kunja Rasa performed during Ashvin Purnima celebrated in the month of December.
(iii)Basanta Rasa performed during Chaitena Purnima celebrated in the month of March.
(iv) Diva Rasa, which is performed during daytime.
(v) Nitya Rasa performed without any restriction of time, as to the season of the year.

The performance of Rasalila is carried out in an enclosure in front of the temple called as Nat mandapa & the performance lasts for the whole night, where it is viewed with a deep sense of devotion. Rasalila performances are seasonal and varied. Some are even performed at the temple of Shree Govindajee in Imphal at night on occasion of Basanta Purnima, Sarada Purnima and Kartik Purnima and at local temples afterwards.

This dance as performed in Manipur explains the love of Lord Krishna with his Radha. This typical Rasalila includes the following steps -
1. Krishna Abhisaar
2. Radha-Gupi Abhisar
3. Arrangement of Mondob
4. Rag-Alap of Gopis
5. Achouba Vongipareng
6. Krishna Nartan
7. Radha Nartan
8. Different kind of Dances of the Gopis

There is no restriction of the number of Gopis in the Ras-dances. Also there is no restriction of the duration of the performance. The Guru and Shutradhari should take as much time as they think it necessary for arousing the feelings of rasa, raga, anuraga, bhava, bibhava, etc. within the hearts of the Gopis as well as in the hearts of the audience. Waiting for Shri Krishna, calling his name, decorating for this satisfaction are all the important steps sung by the Gopis shedding tears on the cheeks.

2. Uttar Pradesh Raslila:
Rasalila is also known as Braj Rasalila and it has originated from the Braj area of Uttar Pradesh. It is a theatrical form, which is now performed in many Indian states. This colourful and glossy art form gives a special attention on the music and dancing movements. Though the Gopikas play a vital role in the performance, the story revolves around Lord Krishna`s charming childhood, adolescence and the early youth of Krishna, where it explores the relationship of Lord Krishna with his consort Radha. This dance form is a real and extensive of folk-art of this region.

Performed with Radha, Krishna and gop-gopis, the actor-dancers gives expression of the various mood and sentiments by gestures, acting and mime. Their bodies move freely & gracefully bending forwards, backwards and sideways at a time of dancing. As their bodies are more flexible comparing to others, only young boys are seen mostly in its participation. At the beginning, all participants form an open circle and then they close it with holding one another`s hand and perform the dance in a group, solo, or as a duet.

Nowadays, Rasalila is performed in a group by a mandala or a ring with the accompaniment of songs (Bhajans) that are relating to Krishna legends and the music of drums, cymbals and flutes are also used. In some parts, only young Brahmin boys of are 13 to 14 years are seen to perform the Raslila. Many steps of this dance are of complex pattern & even some are similar with those of the Kathak, a classical dance. The specialty of Lila-dances is characterized by the fact that they perform as per the pure nritta sequences & quick footwork movements. With it spinning, acting, pirouetting, stamping of the foot, supple arm movements and mimicry with music is generated through vocal and instrumental at the same time.

Rasalila in Haryana
Rasalila dance is common folk dance among the people living in the `Braja` area of the Faridabad district of Haryana. Rasalila contains many songs, which are in praise of Lord Vishnu. As Lord Vishnu has been manifest in many incarnations, songs are fairing descriptive in nature.

Jayadeva, the composer of Gita Govinda tells her story in the lyrical verse. The actual dance starts with the gopis forming a circle around Krishna and their collective dance. In this circular dance, the bracelets, anklets, the bells of the gopis sound together in perfect harmony. The Gopis, in this dance, move in rhythm, swaying their bodies gracefully. The costumes for the dance are colourful, embroidered and having mirrors on it.