In a spectacular demonstration of cultural solidarity, nearly 37,000 women from Gujarat’s Ahir community gathered for the Maha Raas dance held on December 23 and 24. This magnificent dance, symbolising the cosmic union of Lord Krishna and Radha, flared as ladies dressed in red sarees and traditional jewellery stepped in synchronised circles around an idol of Lord Krishna, producing a brilliant wave of devotion.

According to a regional website, the ceremony, dubbed Raas Utsav, was dedicated to Raas by Usha, Banasur’s daughter and Lord Krishna’s daughter-in-law. The spectacular event, organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Yadav Samaj and Ahirani Mahila Mandal, took place at the enormous Nanddham site of ACC Cement company, attracting participants not only from different regions of India but also from around the world.

The event successfully brought together around 1.5 lakh members of the Ahir Yadav community.

The Raas Utsav festival received enthusiastic involvement not just from within India, but also from Ahir community members living overseas, who actively participated in the ‘Maha Raas’ performance.

This Maha Raas, which spanned 800 bighas of territory, brought together numerous factions of the Ahir people under one umbrella. The dancing event, which was attended by over 1.5 lakh Ahir community members from around the country, turned out to be cheerful and unifying occasion.

Who is Lord Krishna’s daughter-in-law Usha?

Usha, Banasura’s daughter, is mentioned in the Bhagwat Purana. She is the Asura king Banasura’s daughter. She married Aniruddha, Lord Krishna’s grandson. The Bhagavata Purana wonderfully describes how she fell in love with Lord Krishna’s grandson and married him.

The kingdom of Sonitapura was ruled by Banasura, the father of Usha. He was a Shiva devotee who had been bestowed with 1000 arms.

Following the performance, every 37,000 women who participated in the dance were given a Gita book, according to a local website.

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