Classical Dance of Assam

 SATTRIYA NRITYA                                            

 It is a major Indian classical dance, with origins in the Krishna centered Vaishnavism monastries of Assam, and attributed to the 15th century Bhakti movement scholar and saint Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev. In 2000, the Sangeet Natak Academy of India recognized Sattriya as a classical dance.

One act plays of Sattriya are called Ankiya Nat, which combine the aesthetic and the religious through a ballad, dance and drama. The plays are performed in Sattras and the theme played are related to Lord Krishna, sometimes other Vishnu avatars such as Rama and Sita and stories from the epics are also reffered to. For male it is known as Purush Pak while for female, Prakriti Pak. This dance is  practiced on typical Assamese music known as Borgeet and musical instruments like large cymbals, drums with colourful costumes and complicated choreographic patterns using various tales for each stanza sung by the vocalist.

It is a beautiful classical dance which is now worldwide recognized by people, the beauty and elegance of this dance form is unexplainable. The sheer peace and joy one can get while watching the dance is magical. The costumes are pretty and colorful white being the major color. I would highly suggest you to watch a performance more preferably live to get the ultimate essence and share with me your experience.