Virahini – Sattriya by Prateesha Suresh

An NCPA Presentation

Virahinī – Nayikās from Borgeet by Prateesha Suresh.

Shrimanta Shankaradeva’s musical composition following the pattern of “dhrung” and “pad” are well known as Borgeet. These compositions are individual songs and also part of his dramatic compositions called Ankiyā Nāt. The portrayal of the Nāyika by Shankaradeva, deliberates mostly on the Viraha Bhāv, when the Nāyikā is in separation from her Nāyaka, also called Viprayoga. This presentation explores the portrayal of the heroine in separation in the Borgeets of Śrīmanta Śaṅkaradeva, interpreting dāsya bhakti (devotional servitude – the dance form based on this core philosophy of Shankaradeva) through the expressive vocabulary of Sattriya dance.

Prateesha Suresh
Prateesha Suresh began her journey in dance at the tender age of five. She was initiated into Sattriya by her guru, the late Roseswar Saikia Barbayan, and later pursued formal training in Bharatanatyam at the prestigious Kalakshetra in Chennai. Her time at Kalakshetra, especially in the proximity of Rukmini Devi Arundale, deepened her understanding of the intrinsic beauty and philosophical depth of Indian art and culture.

In 1989, when she returned to Assam, she was called by her Sattriya guru to continue her journey in the Sattriya. She continued her training with Shri Ghanakanta Borah Barbayan and Shri Haricharan Bhuyan Barbayan. In 1993 she left Assam after her marriage and lived in different cities in India where she devoted herself to the propagation of Sattriya through performances, lectures and lecture-demonstrations within India and abroad. In 2008 she started her non-profit organisation, the Pratishruti Foundation through which she continues her journey by presenting her Choreographic Productions, Seminars, Dance Festivals, etc.

She is pursuing both academic and independent research work on various aspects of Sattriya and its philosophy. It is her dream to take the work of Shrimanta Shankardev far and wide.

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