Published Paper Details:

As A.K. Ramanujan in his essay, Is There any Way of Indian Thinking, develops the notion of context-sensitivity as an indispensable part of Indian culture. The present study will explore the context behind idiosyncratic Raas tradition of Cooch Behar. Raas is a festival of union of devotees and Lord Krishna. But Raas Utshav of Cooch Behar stands as a union of religious communities and they take part in the rituals and practices. This writing will explore the oral tradition and historic connection of Raas Utshav in Cooch Behar. Raas mela is the most ancient and traditional of all fairs in this region. Every year, the people of Cooch Behar get set to celebrate the Raas Yatra of Madan Mohan Thakur. Raas mela celebrations commence from the auspicious day of Purnima in the month of Kartik according to Bengali Calendar. This Raas mela was celebrated first at Vetaguri, then this festival had been shifted to the Modan Mohan temple of Cooch Behar. How this auspicious festival has come into grandeur and the history behind the festival will be the subject of exploration in this paper. The Raas-Chakra, a semi cylindrical like structure made out of paper and bamboo at the temple lawn is being beautifully decorated over generations by a Muslim family. The inclusion of the Muslim community in such a Hindu religious festival showcases a great example of communal harmony. How this religious amalgamation come into existence will be the subject of discussion.