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Santipur and Nabadwip Raas Utsav

Santipur and Nabadwip Raas Utsav

Santipur and Nabadwip Raas Utsav

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map

Nearest Airport

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata

Howrah Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata

Santipur and Nabadwip Raas Utsav

Rash Yatra, also known as Raas Utsav, is one of the most important religious and cultural festivals celebrated in Nabadwip and Santipur in the Nadia district of West Bengal. Held on the full moon night of Kartik (Kartik Purnima), the festival commemorates the divine Ras Leela of Lord Krishna with Radha and the gopis, symbolising the union of the human soul with the divine through love and devotion.

 

In Nabadwip, Rash Yatra takes on a distinctive form known as Shakta Ras, where, along with Krishna devotion, elaborate clay idols of various Hindu goddesses such as Durga, Kali, and Lakshmi are worshipped. The town becomes a vibrant spectacle with hundreds of intricately designed idols and artistic pandals, reflecting a unique synthesis of Vaishnavite and Shakta traditions.  This tradition is believed to have evolved under the influence of local rulers and the Bhakti movement, particularly during the time of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

 

In contrast, Santipur’s Rash Yatra retains a predominantly Vaishnavite character. It features devotional singing, traditional music, and grand processions depicting scenes from Krishna’s life. A special highlight is the “Rai Raja” procession, where a young girl symbolising Radha is dressed in regal attire and taken through the town, accompanied by decorated chariots, lights, and performers.

The festival also includes fairs (Rash Mela), cultural performances, and community gatherings, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists from across India. Together, the celebrations in Nabadwip and Santipur showcase Bengal’s rich spiritual heritage, artistic creativity, and the enduring appeal of devotional traditions.

Rash Yatra, also known as Raas Utsav, is a significant religious and cultural festival celebrated in the towns of Nabadwip and Santipur in West Bengal. Observed on the full moon night of Kartik (Kartik Purnima), it commemorates the divine Ras Leela of Lord Krishna with Radha and the gopis, symbolising eternal love and devotion.

Santipur and Nabadwip Raas Utsav

Rash Yatra, also known as Raas Utsav, is a significant religious and cultural festival celebrated in the towns of Nabadwip and Santipur in West Bengal. Observed on the full moon night of Kartik (Kartik Purnima), it commemorates the divine Ras Leela of Lord Krishna with Radha and the gopis, symbolising eternal love and devotion. The festival takes on a unique form known as Shakta Ras, where alongside Krishna worship, elaborate clay idols of various goddesses are created and worshipped. The town is adorned with hundreds of large, artistic idols, reflecting a blend of Vaishnavite and Shakta traditions. In Santipur, Rash Yatra is more Vaishnavite in character, featuring processions, devotional songs, and enactments of Krishna’s Ras Leela. A distinctive feature here is the “Rai Raja” procession, where a young girl representing Radha is taken around the town The festival attracts thousands of devotees and visitors, transforming both towns into vibrant centres of devotion, art, and cultural celebration in Bengal.

Essential Information

Santipur and Nabadwip Raas Utsav
Venue

Santipur, Nadia, West Bengal

Date

24 Nov 2026 to 27 Nov 2026

Source

West Bengal Tourism

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