Manik Borbayan

🪔 About

Manik Borbayan is a distinguished and eminent guru of Sattriya dance, an Indian classical dance form originating from Assam. He is recognized as one of the seniormost experts in Sattriya today. Borbayan joined the Bhogpur Sattra in Titabor, Jorhat district, Assam, at the tender age of three, commencing his formal training within the Sattra from the age of four. His early education involved establishing a connection with the Keertan Ghar (temple) of the Sattra and learning to sing devotional compositions like Gunamala, Leelemala, Deva Bhatima, Chopoi, and Totoi, penned by the revered saints Srimanta Sankardev and Sri Sri Madhavdev. His rigorous training included daily practice of Matiakhara (ground exercises) and instruction from various adhyapoks (teachers) in different facets of Sattriya. Notable among his teachers were Late Bakul Oja Burhabhakat (pathak), Late Ratneswar Oja Borbayan (Ojapali), Late Powal Burhabhakat Borbayan (Geet-naach and Ojapaali), Late Dutindra Borbayan (Nritya), Bapuram Gawonia Atoi Burhabhakat (singing/Gayan Vaidya), Late Buduram Bayan (Gayan), Late Muhiram Muktar (reader), and Late Devananda Borbayan (nritya). He emphasizes devotion (Bhakti) as the singular most important quality of Sattriya dance, considering it a form of Ishwar sadhana (worship of God). Borbayan teaches various traditional Sattriya dances including Jhumura, Chaali, Bahaar, Nadubhangi, Pravesar naach, Krishna naach, Suttradhari naach, Gosain naach, Ojapaali, and traditional hastas. He is also a versatile artist, proficient in singing, dancing, costume designing, and playing instruments. Conferred with the 'Borbayan' title by Bhogpur Sattra, he continues to teach young students and perform in Sattriya festivals. As of 2016, he was associated with the training project at the Sattriya Kendra of Sangeet Natak Akademi on 'Borgeet and Ojapali' traditions. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2010).