Sattriya Dance is the art form that epitomises the dance culture of Assam. It was recently recognised as a classical dance form and it is among the finest of the classical dances of India. An Assamese religious reformer, Sri Shankardev, preached a unique philosophy of a new Vaishnavism and from it grew the particular dance. The word, 'sattriya' comes from 'sattra'-monasteries which are established by the reformer.
Without altering its basic structure of the dance, the style has been going through an refinement. The performer can give a solo performance against a repertoire owing from the fact that it is represented in a lyrical and graceful style. The movements of the hand and body are very slow and gentle and it communicate tales from the legends of Lord Vishnu and from the life of Lord Krishna. The music in the dance mostly depend upon the cymbals, supporting raga and other songs.
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