Jaynarayan Prasad/Kolkata

The death of Altaf Hussain, one of the well-known artisans whose family had been involved in decorating the venue of Raas Mela Utsav, a famous cultural event of the city of Cooch Behar of West Bengal is being widely mourned across the state.

Altaf Mian, 70, passed away on Saturday. He was buried in Cooch Bihar, located about 7.5 hours drive from Kolkata.

His family, popularly known as 'Altaf Mian', had been organizing the famous 'Raas Mela Utsav' of Cooch Behar for a long time.

For forty years, Altaf Hussain was involved in decorating the venue of the Raas Leela Utsav - a play based on the life of Lord Krishna, particularly romantic and naughty interactions with Gopis the local young women, at the Madan Mohan temple every year in November.

Altaf Hussain was famous for designing the archway of the Raas Mela festival.

Even Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed deep grief over his death.

Altaf Hussain had not been well for two years. For this reason, his son Aminur Hussain take charge of decorating the 'Ras Leela Utsav'

Altaf Hussain  at work

Altaf Hussain was being treated at MGN Medical College Hospital in Cooch Behar.

As soon as the news of his death came in, a big crowd of his admirers gathered at his house in the Harin Chaura area. Hindus and Muslims, children, old and young alike came to pay their respects. Women were seen weeping.

A pall of gloom fell on the city. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, joined his admirers in expressing grief and offering condolences to his family.

She also directed the Cooch Behar district administration to bury Altaf Hussain with state dignity.

What is Raas Mela festival?

'Raas Mela festival' is an artistic presentation of Lord Krishna's dance with his consort Radha and gopis of Braj. This dance festival of Radha-Krishna is also mentioned in Bhagwat Purana and Geet Govinda.

The 'Raas festival' of Cooch Behar district is quite famous. It lasts a fortnight This 'Raas Mela Utsav', which lasts for fifteen to twenty days, starts on 15 November and continues till the first week of December. This 'Raas Utsav' is also called 'Winter Carnival' in Cooch Behar.

This 'Raas Mela Utsav' has been going on in Cooch Behar district for two hundred years. It is said that this happened for the first time during the time of the 17th king of Cooch Behar Harendra Narayan. His descendants celebrated it with pomp and show.

During the time of Raja Madan Mohan, the format of this festival changed. It was during this time that Altaf Hussain's ancestors were given the responsibility of decorating this festival. For the first time, big arches were erected and this tradition continues.

The attraction of this 'Raas Mela Utsav' spread far and wide and people were drawn to see this festival.

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So far the Raas Mela Utsav of Cooch Behar was only disrupted twice - in 1912 when cholera disease spread and the second time in 2020 during the Corona pandemic.