Assam to revive Satriya Dance

Guwahati, Aug 25 (ANI): In order to promote the unique Satriya classical dance form of Assam among the people of the state as well as at the national and international level, the Satriya Sangeet Charkha Kendra (SSCK) organised a cultural program in Jorhat recently.

It was held at Satriya Mahotsabha in Rajabari, Jorhat with many renowned scholars and researchers stressing on the importance of preserving this beautiful dance.

The cultural program attracted large number of audience from all across the state.

Dr. Nirupama Mahanta, Convenor, Assam Satra Mahotsabha said, "These are the teachers of different Satriya music schools of Assam and they have received vast knowledge of Satriya dance, music and with different arts of Satriya from the resource persons."

"Satriya dance has been recognised as a major Indian traditional dance form and accordingly it has come of age," said Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, a audience.

Satriya dance was created by one of the great Assamese Vaishnavite Saint, Mahapurush Sankardeva in the fifteenth century.

It is an artistic way of presenting mythological teachings to the people.

Traditionally, only men performed Satriya dance as a part of their daily rituals or to mark special festivals. However, today, it is performed both by men and women and on themes other than mythology as well.

It is accompanied by musical compositions called borgeets, which are based on classical ragas played along with the khols (drums), taals (cymbals) and the flute.

The dance form has its origin in Majuli island, which is the seat of Assamese culture and tradition and the biggest river island in the world.

The government of India has recognized Satriya Dance as one of the classical dance forms of India. By Vaschipem Kamodang (ANI)