Sattariya (beautiful dance of assam)

                              SATTARIYA 

Sattariya is the traditional dance- drama of assam. Sattariya was recognised in 2000 as classical dance by sangeet natak academy.

Sattariya dance form derives its name from the vaishnava monasteries popularily knoen as Sattaras.

It is influenced by vaishnavism and it emphasises more on the devotional aspect of dance and narrates the mythological stories of vishnu. 

The modern form of sattariya  is attributed to the 15th century bhakti movement scholar and saint srimanta shankaradev. Since 15th century, sattariya grew as a part of vaishnav bhakti movement. 

Sattras are the dance community halls (namghar) of monastery temples. Today it is popular worldwide.

THEMES-  Devotion to vishnu and krishna. Both lasya and tandav predominates sattriya is performed in a group by male monks known as 'Bhokots' as part of their daily rituals.

This dance mostly performed on Radha- Krishna and other myths.

Drama written by sankardev are typically presented. Sattriya performed in integrated two style-

ONE MASCULINE- (paurashik bhangi- energetic and with jumps). 

SECOND FEMININE- (stri bhangi- lasya or delicate).

Both male and female perform this beautiful, expressive dance openly on the modern platform.

DANCE MOVEMENTS- Rhythmic syllables and dance postures and footwork has given greater                                                      emphasis in sattriya dance.

There is a strict guidline laid down for the fooetwork and hand gestures in sattriya dance.

Gayan-bhayanar nach and kharmanar nach are the two streams developed in modern times.

COSTUMES AND MAKEUP-  

MALE- dhoti, chadar, paguri(turban).

FEMALE- ghuri, chadar, kanchi (waist cloth) made up of materials manufactured in assam.

The play and character specific costumes are also seen in sattriya. Masks are used for special characters (like demons) sometimes. Traditional assamese jewelry is employed. 

PATRONS AND FAMOUS DANCERS-  Sattriya received patronage outside assam and outside india                                                                       too.

Later prominent personalities and reformers such as late Maniram dutta muktiyar barbayan, late Dr. Maheswar neog and late Roseshwar saikia barbayan etc. Contibuted to developing and bringing the classical sattriya dance to the outer world.