Every year, during the full moon in November, the Manipuri people of Sylhet hold a Raash Mela. Meant to celebrate the love of Radha and Krishna, Raash is a colorful indigenous festival of Bangladesh.
In Raash, children wear magnificent costumes...
... and perform a ceremonial dance...
... often culminating with flames offered for worship.
It takes place on the banks of the beautiful Dolai river. People come walking...
...as well as using every imaginable means of transport!
Vendors sell bananas...
... and cookies...
... and of course ice cream for the kids.
Speaking of ice cream, why should kids have all the fun?
Some people seemed preocupied...
...but most joined in the fun...
Women decked out in elegant dresses...
...and memories were preserved for posterity.
Some ignored the crowd and concentrated on their test-drive.
Flutes were a special part of this celebration. In the legend, Krishna had used the magical sounds of his flute to charm Radha.
All in all, an excellent festival to attend. There is also a night part of this festival.
PS:
Manipuris, whose homeland is in the Indian state of Manipur, also reside in some part of Sylhet. How did they come here? Back in the British days, the Manipuri king did not accept colonial rule. So the British defeated him in battle. As punishment he (along with members of his court) were banished to... Sylhet! The Manipuris in Sylhet are decendants of those people.
sistunes
Monday, November 24, 2008