RANGA PRAVESH, 2008 was presented on October 24 at Rabindra Bhavan, Guwahati, by the third batch of students of Rangayan, an academy of dance, theatre and music. For the last few years, Rangayan has been contributing to the process of creating and shaping dedicated artistes committed to the Satriya art form.

The function was inaugurated by Narayan Chandra Goswami, Satradhikar of Natun Kamalabari Satra, Majuli, Shankardev Award winner Dr Kesavananda Dev Goswami and Padmashri Jatin Goswami by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The vandana, invoking Lord Krishna, was presented by Anannya, Navashree and Barsha, the three students of Rangayan who had completed the three-year diploma course in Satriya dance from Rangayan. The diplomas were awarded to them by Mitra Phukan, Bhagirathi and Suman Haripriya, three noted cultural activists of the State. Janak Khendri, a noted classical dancer of Indian origin from Canada and Braina, a researcher on dance from the USA, were also felicitated in the function.

The first presentation in the evening was Ramdani, comprising a portion each of Chali, Bahar and Jhumura dance styles set to Chuta taal. The distinctive feature of the dance was the exquisite aesthetic body movements synchronising with the rhythm.

The next item was Geetor Nach presented by Navashree. The item was based on a Borgeet composed by Madhabdev, set to Saru Bisam and Ek taal. The dancer depicted how a gopi was fascinated by the enchanting looks of Lord Krishna.

Anannya and Barsha presented the Slokar Nach set to Chuta taal. In this dance, the dancers were dancing to the sound resembling a sloka made on the khol. The two dancers, even in their tender age, could recite the sloka very well.

Bhangir Nach, presented by Anannya, Barsha, Navashree, Pankaj and Mousumi, was based on two incidents from the life of Lord Krishna, Dhenukasur Badh and Kalia Daman. These were depicted very gracefully by the dancers.

Different Satriya dances like Chali and Jhumura usually conclude with Mela Nach. Exclusively based on instruments, this dance is augumented by the beautiful body movements of Ramdani. Anannya, Barsha and Navashree presented the Mela Nach with grace and rhythm.

The concluding part of the evening was the Ranga Dashavatar, set in the Ankiya Bhaona style, presented by the Ranga Mandoli, the repertory group formed by Rangayan. The dancers were Anannya, Barsha, Navashree, Mousumi, Jollymoni, Aparajita, Parismita, Neeramoni, Pranami, Anamita, Monalisa, Kirttika, Dwijen, Khagen, Pankaj and Putul, led by Sharodi Saikia as the Sutradhara. Almost all Indian classical dances depict the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu in their own style. The dancers, under the able guidance of Sharodi Saikia, kept the audience spellbound by their superb performance. This group had also performed in several prestigious platforms like Chidambaram, Tanjore, Konark, Khajuraho, etc and won accolades.

Anuj Goswami