Ras Lila is a cosmic dance that is often defined as a popular Indian folk dance. Ras Lila originated from Vrajadham or Vrindavan, the land in Uttar Pradesh, where Lord Krishna resided. Besides being a folk dance Ras Lila is also an integral part of Indian culture. The eternal togetherness of Lord Krishna and Radha is celebrated through this Indian dance drama. In Indian states, such as, Uttar Pradesh and Manipur Ras Lila is quite popular. As an Indian classical Manipuri dance, Ras Lila enjoys the status of a significant art form in this Northeastern state. The tale of Lord Krishna and his divine love, Radha, has been narrated in Bhagawata Purana. The story of Radha and Krishna has been for ages considered as the epitome of love and romance.
As far as the term is considered, Ras Lila distinctively means a circular dance of the Lord with the gopis (maidens). It also depicts the myriad coloured emotions that constitute love: romance, tiffs, mischief, care, worry, jealousy, complaints and at last the final making up. These varied sentiments are wonderfully woven and depicted through the dance drama. Ras Lila existed even before the ancient texts, such as, Bhagawata Purana and Geet Govinda. Hence this form of Indian folk dance helped to convey the unadulterated emotion called love.
Ras Lila retells the story of a night in Vrindavan when the gopis stealthily visit the forest to meet Lord Krishna. In the forest the Lord was playing the flute and the gopis danced with Him throughout the night. Krishna, however, miraculously stretches the night to the length of one night of Brahma (equivalent to 4.32 billion years). It is mentioned in the Bhagawata Puarana that if one performs the Rs Lila with utmost devotion he or she will attain Suddha Bhakti.
One of the primary reasons why Ras Lila is considered a folk dance in India lies in the fact that this art form has its origin in folk dances. In the contemporary India Ras Lila is performed by the Rasdharis. The entire troupe of Ras Lila consists of musicians and dancers. These performers are primarily teenage boys.
Traditionally a Ras Lila performance may go on for about three hours. The graceful movement of the Indian folk dancers, the vibrant attires and the apparent devotion with which the dance drama is performed transcends the audience to a world of bliss. Apart from Uttar Pradesh and Manipur Ras Lila, Indian folk dance, is also performed throughout the country during specific religious occasions. Krishna Janmashtami is one of the special occasions when Ras Lila, Indian folk dance, is performed.
