Explore Assam’s Raas Mahotsav 2025: A divine celebration of Krishna’s eternal love

New Delhi: If you think festivals in India are over, you are wrong. Assam’s renowned Raas Mahotsav, one of the state’s most enchanting and spiritually uplifting festivals, is just a few days away. Celebrated every year in November in Majuli Island, the world’s largest river island, and Nalbari district, this festival commemorates the divine love of Lord Krishna and Radha through a display of cultural expressions. The celebrations begin on Raas Purnima, transforming Majuli and Nalbari into vibrant centres of faith and art.

Monasteries known as Satras stage captivating performances of Raas Leela, depicting episodes from Krishna’s life through folk dance, Sattriya, bhaona or traditional plays, music, masks, and puppetry. Rooted in the teachings of Srimanta Sankardeva, the saint who shaped Assamese Vaishnavism, the Raas Mahotsav beautifully blends spirituality with creativity. Each year, thousands of devotees and tourists arrive to witness this divine spectacle. This year, while Majuli Raas Mahotsav will start from November 4 to 6, Nalbari Raas will commence from November 5 to 17. Explore more.

In November, Majuli steps into a divine glow. For a few days, the world’s largest river island becomes a living stage where faith meets performance. Across 12 Satras and more than 50 open-air stages, locals recreate the story of Lord Krishna – from his playful childhood to his heroic victory over Kansa.

This year, the Ujoni Majuli Cultural Unity Forum will host a special three-day event from November 4 to 6. The first day features Raas Leela to be performed entirely in the Deori language for the first time. The second day offers a traditional presentation, followed by Mahila Raas on November 6, with an all-women cast that brings a refreshing perspective to this timeless narrative.

Travellers can explore Kamalabari Satra, a centre of Vaishnavite philosophy; Dakhinpat Satra, known for its rituals and chanting; and Sri Sri Samaguri Satra, famous for its exquisite handmade masks. Beyond these, a walk through Mishing villages or a visit to the Molai Forest reveals the island’s natural and cultural depth.

Connectivity

The nearest airport and railway station are in Jorhat. From there, travel to Nimati Ghat and take a ferry to Kamalabari Ghat (8 am to 4 pm). Book accommodation in advance as stays fill up quickly, and carry a local SIM since network coverage can be patchy.

While Majuli offers serenity, Nalbari brings a lively community flavour to Raas Mahotsav. Each year, this town in lower Assam becomes a vibrant hub of devotion, art, and togetherness. Local stages and temple courtyards, particularly the Hari Mandir, host dance, music, and dramatic retellings of Krishna’s life, as the entire district joins in the celebration. The atmosphere is electric as devotional songs float through the air, incense mixes with the aroma of local snacks, and the streets pulse with excitement.

Connectivity

The nearest major city is Guwahati, about 74 km away. The drive to Nalbari takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, and taxis or cabs can be easily booked through apps. Nalbari offers a range of hotels and guesthouses, but advance booking is recommended during the festival.

Whether you choose the artistic calm of Majuli or the festive spirit of Nalbari, the Raas Mahotsav of Assam promises an unforgettable journey into devotion and tradition. It’s a festival that celebrates not just Krishna’s eternal love but also Assam’s creative soul.