Ras Utsav in Shantipur (2018) (Album of photos)
Among many important festivals of Bengal, Ras Yatra in Shantipur is very ancient. This festival was started by Mathuresh Goswami, the grandson of Sri Advaita Acharya. The principle Deity of the town is ‘Sri Radharaman’ in the family of Baro Gosai descending from the lineage of Mathuresh Goswami. The Deity was originally installed as ‘Dol Govinda’ in Orissa by king Indradyumna. Later, due to some threats over there, king Basanta Roy brought the Deity to Yashohar (Jessore in Bangaldesh). Mathuresh Goswami was the spiritual master of Basanta Roy. Approximately in 1588, when Man Singha attacked Bengal under the Mughal rule, king Basanta Roy handed the Deity to Mathuresh Goswami, who brought Him to Shantipur and established Him as Radharaman with another Deity of Radharani named as Srimati. During Ras Festival all the Deities of Shantipur come out of Their temples. In special chariots known as Haoda, They visit the town. We were present there on the final day of the festival to witness ‘Kunja-Bhanga’, when after the Rasa Dance the Deities return to Their respective temples. Devotees carry the Deities in special rhythmic dance which is performed as per the beats of special percussion known as Dhak. Please relish the pictures of this amazing event.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ZGA8wq