Raas Of Mitra Bari

Today is Raas - the festival of Radha & Krishna. Once the reputation
of Raas of Mitra Bari of Simulia Pally, North Kolkata was known to
all. It is still there by adopting 'Brindaboni' method.

In ancient time, several Raas used to perform in Kolkata. Such as
Naba-Brindaban at Bagbazar and Gupt-Brindaban at Ramdulal Sarkar
Street. But, the "Raas Utsav" was most famous in North Kolkata at the
residence of Mitra family. This house is situated at Simulia Pally,
south of Ananth Nath Deb's market, presently at Ramdulal Sarkar
Street. Rajiblochan Mitra of Barisha went to Konnagar of Hooghly
district in 16th century to reside. His old grand grandson Ayodhya Ram
Mitra used to reside at Halishahor in the third part of 18th century
by the source of marriage. His grandson, the founder of Mitra family
of Simulia (the old Sutanuti) Pally was Madanmohan Mitra. He was a
business tycoon and came to Kolkata from his ancestral house at
Halishahor to reside. He established Radhanath - a beautiful idol of
Lord Krishna, made of Kashti pathar. He established Radha of
'ashtodhatu' and Narayan shila too. Once the Raas festival of this
Mitra family became phenomenon in Kolkata. But the Mitras used to
observe Raas within family. Outsiders were not allowed to take part in
the festival. Thus, this Raas became famous as Gupt-Raas. And by this
way, their house became famous as 'Gupt-Brindaban'. Most of the Raas
have started on 15 November, but, Raas of Gupt-Brindaban starts on the
day of Kartick Purnima and will go for the next two days. It will end
on 19th November.

PICS :
1. Radhanath-Radharani of Mitra Bari;
2. The Raas Mancha decorated with Asto Sakhi (8 Sakhis) ;
3. Paintings of Raas lila;
4. Raas Mancha of Mitra Bari's Thakur Dalan;
5. The Narayan shila founded by Madanmohan Mitra;
6. The puja of Dwadash Gopal (12 Gopal) by 12 lamps and Naibedya.
7.The kick of balloon at Mitra Bari.

All the pictures published on newspaper.



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A. B.