Welcome to North America Center for Sattriya Dance and Traditional Arts
Our Mission
Our mission is to preserve, promote, and propagate Sattriya dance, a 550 years old traditional dance form from Assam, India, while fostering a global community of dancers, researchers, speakers, and enthusiasts.
We aim to provide prestigious platforms for new generation Sattriya learners, support research and workshops, seminars, demonstrations, and facilitate cultural exchange between Sattriya artists and practitioners of other dance forms worldwide, promoting cross-cultural understanding and artistic innovation.
Sattriya Dance
Sattriya dance is a major classical storytelling dance of India originating from the northeastern Indian state of Assam. Sattriya is the only living tradition in India that has continued unbroken for around 550 years till now.
This ancient 15th‑century dance form is deeply rooted in the Vaishnavite tradition of the monasteries (Sattras), performed by monks (Bhokots), and is known for its unique blend of yogic, spiritual, cultural, and artistic expressions. Sattriya was created as a part of the drama tradition “Ankia Bhaona” about 550 years ago by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, a revered Assamese saint, poet, and social reformer.
His foremost disciple, Sri Sri Madhavdev, further enriched this tradition by composing devotional songs (Borgeets), contributing to the dramatic literature, and helping codify and expand the performance repertoire, thereby strengthening the Sattriya dance‑drama tradition. Along with dance, Sankardev and Madhavdev nurtured fine arts such as ancient manuscript painting, mask making, music, and drama as part of a holistic cultural and devotional practice.
The Ankia Bhaona tradition is believed to be one of the world’s earliest forms of one‑act plays and open‑air theatre, and Sattriya today stands as a vibrant expression of this living heritage.
Manuscript Painting
n Assam, the idea of the manuscript is almost inseparable from the legacy of Srimanta Sankaradeva and his Neo‑Vaishnavite movement. Manuscripts became a primary vehicle for transmitting the spiritual tenets, ethical ideals, and cultural vision of this movement, largely due to Sankaradeva’s pioneering efforts.
The exquisite polychrome illustrations found in these manuscripts, popularly known as manuscript paintings, were executed on sanchipat or tulapat and typically combined rich visual imagery with written descriptions. Over time, these works developed distinctive stylistic features and collectively came to be recognised as the Assam School of Painting.
Because it was the Satra institutions established in the tradition of Sankaradeva that nurtured this school—supporting its creation, preservation, and dissemination—the Assam School of Painting is also often referred to as the Satriyā School of Painting. This close association underscores how text, image, devotion, and community life were seamlessly integrated within the broader cultural world shaped by Sankaradeva and his followers.
Nerina Rabha
Founder & Director
Visionary leader dedicated to preserving and promoting Sattriya dance in North America.
Sanjeeta Das
Director
Director, HR and Finance, Coordinator for Manuscript Paintings
Kaushik Rabha
Director
Creative Director who crafts captivating content through striking visuals and powerful storytelling.
Brajen Baishya
Director
Drives initiatives that empower collaboration and amplify cultural impact. He also oversees our organization’s website.
International Sattriya & Traditional Arts Meet 2026 celebrated successfully
On May 22 & 23, 2026, the ancient Assamese art of Sattriya took center stage in Dallas, Texas, for the breathtaking International Sattriya and Cultural Meet. The vibrant event united 150 expert performers from around the globe in a spectacular display of classical dance, rhythm, and devotion. Graced by the presence of two city mayors, the celebration beautifully bridged centuries of Indian heritage with the heart of the Lone Star State.
2026 Performances so far
- Classical Dance Competition Radhakrishna Temple, Allen Texas.
- Sattriya Dance, Asian Lunar Year Festival at University of Texas, Dallas
- Manuscript Painting Workshop
Our Past Performances
Why Your Support Matters to Us..
Your contribution helps us preserve and promote the rich heritage of Sattriya dance. By supporting the North America Center for Sattriya Dance and Traditional Arts, you enable us to continue offering cultural performances, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives. Join us in sustaining this vibrant art form for future generations and fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.
Community Engagement
Educational Programs
Cultural Preservation
What Our Community Says
