With the captivating symphony of khol-taal reverberating across the hall, the evening of July 26 at Rabindra Bhawan was a delightful treat for the Guwahatians. Nritya Stuti, a programme held under the aegis of Nrityabhumi, conceptualised and choreographed by well known exponent of Satriya dance, Naren Chandra Boruah, presented an evening marked by the splendid performance by the students of the institution and various other exponents in this field that aptly paid homage to the classical dance form from the North East and enthralled the audience.

Nrityabhumi, a sociocultural organisation established to bring the benefit of Satriya heritage to people’s life, has been imparting training in this dance form since its inception. Quite a number of students have attained successful training under the guidance of Adhyapak Boruah. The very students have given a spellbinding performance in the dance programme.

Satriya dance, recognised as a classical dance form since 2000, was introduced in the 15th century AD by the great Vaishnavite saint and social reformer of Assam, Mahapurush Sankardeva. The dance was nurtured and preserved by the Satras across the State. Naren Boruah, born in Adi Alengi Satra, Majuli, started his training in Satriya dance from his childhood at the Uttar Kamalabari Satra, Majuli. His vast repertoire of knowledge took him to various places across the country as a performer and a trainer.

Nritya Stuti also saw performances by Dr Mallika Kandali, Preetilekha D Choudhury, Tanmana Choudhury, Aditi Chakravartty, Upasana Saikia, Doli Aleman and Nibedita Sharma. The event was started off with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the chief guests’ speech. The chief guests were Swapnanil Barua, secretary, culture, Government of Assam and Bhadra Krishna Goswami, president, Assam Satra Mahasabha. It was followed by the Isha Vandana, invoking the blessings of God. This led to the unique dance composition called Chaturanga, which was a mesmerising combination of four classical dance forms – Satriya, Odissi, Bharatanatyam and Kathak.

After this, Kamal Chandra Borbayan and Gopiram Borojah Bayan of Uttar Kamalabari Satra were felicitated, which was followed by the mati-akhora or ground exercise, which is referred to as the grammar of the Satriya dance form as it corrects posture and enhances fitness.

The dance odyssey continued with recitals like Nadu-bhangi, Bahar Nach, Jhumura Nach, Krishna Nritya, Chali Nach and Rasha Keli to the intricate beats and rhythmic variation caused by a medley of various musical instruments.

The participants included Smitakshi Baruah, Dimi Medhi, Purabi Deka, Ushma Das, Swagata Sarma, Lipika Devi, Pratima Das, Mridusmita Dutta, Anwesha Barua, Doriali Das, Purbasha Bhardwaj, Purbashree Bhattacharjee, Prajyanjyoti Phukan, Dhritismita Bhuyan, Darami Das, Dhriti Chakravartty, Bidisha Bhuyan, Queenie Saikia, Akarsanajyoti Bhuyan, Doli Deka, Ananya Bayan, Anindita Das, Anuska Baruah, Bedika Das, Bhaswati Kalita, Karbari Bhuyan, Kristina Das, Nistha Baruah, Anushna Baruah and Madhusmita Bhuyan.

The musical troupe comprised of Naren Chandra Boruah and Champak Choudhury (khol), Bhupen Nath, Dhritishree Devi and Sangeeta Chamua (vocals), Prasanna Baruah (flute), Dwipendra Sarma (violin) and Giren Kalita (nagara and bhortaal).

Nritya Stuti was indeed an obeisance in prayer to dance.

Sushmita Lahkar