Assam Classical Sattriya Dance Notebook

The Sattriya dance form was introduced by the great Vaishnava saint and reformer of Assam, Sankaradeva as a powerful medium for spreading the Vaishnava faith. A classical dance form, the core of Sattriya dance is usually mythological stories and was, in earlier times typically performed in Sattras, as Assam's monasteries are called. Traditionally Sattriya was performed only by Bhokots (Male monks) in Sattras as part of their daily rituals or to mark special festivals but today female dancers along with male dancers perform on stage. The dance form is accompanied by Borgeets which are based on classical ragas. The choreography and ensemble is often mesmerising and exhibits the unique style of Assamese cultural heritage.