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MAHA-RAAS

(ASHVINA SHUKLA 15)

 
 

This is one of the most inportant festivals of Nathdvara and celebrates Krishna's great circular dance with the gopis on a full moon night. Shrinathji is dressed in a silver brocaded kachhani, orange suthana, dark blue-black choli, and a diamond-studded mukuta, crown. All His ornaments are of diamonds. The pichhvai is a painted one, depicting Shrinathji dancing the rasa. In the evening, a bichhat, regal setting, is arranged in the Doltibari, Manikotha and Ratan chowk, in which the divalgiris and chndovas are all white. These have patterns of the ffull moon and the stars on them. All the utensils used are of silver and even the foods and the beverages served are white. Musical instruments are left out in kamal chowk for the whole night and the doors are closed, to allow Shrinthji to enjoy the rasa, without interruption. Aarti rites are performed after the appearance of the Full Moon. The Darshan is not open to public.

The months of seva for Lalita sakhi are Kartika, Margashirsha and pausham the approximate equivalents of November, December and January. These are winter months and Shrinathji is richly clad in heavily brocaded clothes and ornaments. Even the pichhvais are richly brocaded and emproidered with gold and silver thread. Strong and rich colours are preferred.

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