SATTRIYA DANCE

The Sattriya dance form was introduced in the 15th century A.D by the great Vaishnava saint and reformer of Assam
There were two dance forms prevalent in Assam before the neo-Vaishnava movement such as Ojapali and Devadasi with many classical elements.
Two varieties of Ojapali dances are still prevalent in Assam i.e. Sukananni or Maroi Goa Ojah and Vyah Goa Ojah.
Sukananni Oja paali is of Sakti cult and Vyah Goa Oja paali is of Vaishnava cult. Sankaradeva included Vyah Goa Ojah into his daily rituals in Sattra.
Till now Vyah Goa Ojah is a part of rituals of the Sattras of Assam.
The dancers in a Oja paali chorus not only sing and dance but also explain the narration by gestures and stylized movements.
As far as Devadasi dance is concerned, resemblance of a good number of rhythmic syllables and dance postures along with footwork with Sattriya dance is a clear indication of the influence of the former on the latter.
Other visible influences on Sattriya dance are those from Assamese folk dances namely Bihu, Bodos etc.
Many hand gestures and rhythmic syllables are strikingly similar in these dance forms.
Sattriya dance tradition is governed by strictly laid down principles in respect of hastamudras, footworks, aharyas, music etc.