Mati-akhora | Sattriya dance | Part I

Participants from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Mizoram and Assam performing Mati-akhora at the final day of Sahanartana - Series III organized by "Satkara-Unleashing the Spirit of Sattriya". Sahanartana Series III was a 15-day Sattriya dance workshop, in collaboration with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts held at their space Bal Jagat, New Delhi. Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Adhyapak Haricharan Bhuyan was the Chief Instructor and he was assisted by the Meenakshi Medhi and Srijani Bhaswa Mahanta.
About MATI-AKHORA- The mati-akhora is of vital importance in learning Sattriya dance. The training of Sattriya starts with the vigorous practice of mati-akhora. One cannot think of mastering this dance form without learning the basics. Etymologically, mati-akhora means ground exercise. It is of two types- 1. Physical exercise which is practiced to make the body flexible, and 2. Basic dance units which are helpful in composing different dance numbers in later stage of learning. At present, 64 mati-akhoras are found to be practiced in Kamalabari group of Sattras. In earlier days, the bhakats (monks of Sattras) would gain proficiency in Mati-akhora without the support of any music but later on, as time passed one can notice the rhythmic support. At present, music cds are available for the practice of Matiakhara to tune of Khol (major instrument of Sattriya).
Place- IGNCA Auditorium, New Delhi.
Year- 2017
Videography- Narottam Kar and team.
“SATKARA-UNLEASHING THE SPIRIT OF SATTRIYA” previously
(known as Satkara- A Society for Propagating Satriya Culture) was established on 10th July 2013 by Sattriya danseuse Meenakshi Medhi. With a vision to familiarize the Sattriya culture especially among the youths of the state, Satkara aims to preserve the nationally recognized dance form of Assam. The society believes in preserving the 550 years old dance tradition of Assam by the youths in general. As the youths hold the key of the future in their hands, it is them to whom they should educate about the rich
classical heritage that Sattriya culture has enriched the state. The society has been registered under the Societies Registration Act,1860 with registration number KAM(M)/263/D/176.
Satkara-Unleashing the Spirit of Sattriya is blessed to have Sri Bhadra Krishna Goswami, Sattradhikar of Sri Sri Jakai Sattra, Sibsagar as the chief advisor. He has been a support and motivating factor throughout the journey of Satkara.
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