Echoes of My Mind

The Hindu : Arts : Splendid saga

The Hindu : FEATURES / METRO PLUS : Dharani Kalotsav

By: Anwesa Mahanta The Bhakti Movement in Assam is a significant episode in the socio-cultural history that opened up wider vistas of human experience and directed ways of translating thoughts and ideas into physical reality. Led by Srimanta Sankaradeva, (1449-1568), saint and preacher, poet and playwright, philosopher and reformer, artist and composer (“all rolled into one” as described by Vasudev Saran Agrawal) the Bhakti Movement in Assam brought a ‘new comprehensive outlook on life, a distinctly healthy tone to social behavior with an all pervasive organizational set up, and accelerated the pace of literature and the fine arts.’ (Maheswar Neog). Most importantly, it broke the straitjacketed version of the philosophical doctrine as a reign specified to crème de la crème and spread the emissions of enlightenment to the general masses which surcharged the popular emotional layers with intense devotion. Whether it is Bhaona, or any other form of fine arts, the intention of general mass...

Eulogizing The Great Master Anwesa Mahanta Newer interpretations always find its way in the task of discerning and reviewing a higher ideal. Srimanta Sankaradeva (1449-1568), saint and preacher, poet and playwright, philosopher and reformer, artist and composer (“all rolled into one” as described by Vasudev Saran Agrawal), being the fountainhead of the Bhakti resurgence in Assam, is such a colossus. The magnanimous contributions by this great saint poet stand as a prism that reflects shades of newer horizons of thoughts providing thereby various scopes of insights on Vaisnava Renaissance in Assam. Be it in the field of social reformation, or in creating a new range of literary compositions or even in introducing a different interpretative medium of human expression, theatre, music and dance, the composer, splendidly left an indelible print of creative excellence. Indeed he has remained a ‘Master’ who brought a new change of direction in the society and elevated the life of the c...

Engulfing myriads of myths and phenomenal standing with hoary past and historic legacy, each Major Indian Dance tradition celebrates its rich histrionic artistry. Indeed, amidst the handful wonders of earth, Indian Classical Dance in its entirety holds a seat of glory in the global website of arts and aesthetics. And when an opportunity arrives to foray into this amazing world of art, we are left speechless by its grandeur. Needless it is to say, that I too underwent an experience of such a delight. The Avanthika National Dance Festival (a two day classical dance fest in Thrissur on 20th and 21st May last) with an aim to promoting the dance traditions as represented by the young minds, showcased the six forms of margi dance styles, including the Sattriya Dance from Assam. I was overwhelmed when the invitation to represent Sattriya tradition came to me. And looking forward to some great experiences of learning and understanding, I stepped into “God’s own Land”, Kerala. The trip was so r...

Anwesa Mahanta,Sattriya on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Anwesa Mahanta,Sattriya on Flickr - Photo Sharing!