This is a proud moment for the rich cultural tradition of Assam and India. Eminent Vaishnav artist Mukunda Saikia Borbayan, associated with the historic North Kamalbari Satra of Majuli, will perform the Sattriya dance at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. This dance form was started in the 15th century by the great man Srimanta Sankardeva with the aim of propagating Vaishnavism.
Sessional dance: A confluence of faith and tradition
Sattriya Nritya is a classical dance form of Assam which has been preserved and performed in the Sattras or Vaishnav monasteries. It is not just a dance but a live demonstration of the spiritual teachings of Srimanta Sankardeva and his disciple Madhabdeva. Mukunda Saikia Borbayan will not only showcase the dance through this performance but will also take the vibrant culture of the North-East of India to the global stage.
Three artists from Assam in India’s cultural delegation
Mukunda Madhav Borbayan informed that under the Ministry of Culture and Sangeet Natak Academy of Government of India, a total of 25 artists have been selected for the Osaka Festival, in which artists from 14 countries are participating. Three artists from Assam are part of this delegation, out of which Borbayan will present a sessional dance, while the remaining two artists will present folk dances. All the artists have been given 10 minutes of presentation time.
Assam’s art gets a new identity on the global stage
Osaka World Expo 2025 is an international platform where culture, innovation and global interaction will converge. In such a situation, Mukunda Saikia Borbayan’s performance is a golden opportunity to showcase the spiritual and cultural heritage of Assam to the world. This opportunity will not only give international recognition to Sattriya Nritya, but will also ensure that the tradition of Shankardev and the heritage of Assam continue to inspire people beyond borders.
