Sattriya Classical Dance Majuli Assam

Sattriya is the classical dance and music tradition of the Vaishnavite sattras (monasteries) of Assam, codified in the 15th century by the Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva at Majuli island and recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi as the eighth classical dance form of India in 2000. The tradition was originally performed exclusively by male bhokots (monk-disciples) within the sattra monastery compound as part of daily prayer and the Ankiya Nat devotional drama, with female roles played by bhokots in female costume. Sattriya technique combines vigorous rhythmic footwork called Ora Sahitya with expressive hand gesture mudras in the Assam mudra vocabulary, neck movements, and eye exercises specific to the form, practiced to the accompaniment of the khol drum, borgeet devotional songs in Brajaboli language, and taal cymbals. The Sattriya dance is performed in three distinct pace sequences: the Satra Mukh (opening prayer), the Nritta (pure dance), and the Natua Nritya (character dance). Majuli island in the Brahmaputra River has 22 active sattras practicing Sattriya, including the Auniati, Dakhinpat, and Kamalabari sattras which maintain training schools. Approximately 500 students are enrolled in formal Sattriya training at Majuli sattras and the Sangeet Natak Akademi-affiliated institutions. The Sattriya tradition also preserves 600-year-old Vaishnavite musical compositions called borgeet.