Ankiya Nat, a dance form of Assam, was conceived to propagate the tenets of Vaishnavism (devotion of Bhagavan Vishnu). It is performed in village namgharas (prayer halls), satras (monasteries) and in the open air under a wide and high rabha (pavilion). These plays are based on themes and episodes connected with Vishnu Bhagavan. They are dominated by bhakti (devotional feelings), love, compassion and courage.
Ankiya Nat is lyrical in nature. Sankaradeva (1449 – 1568 CE), a Vaishnavite reformer and artist, was a pioneer in the field of Ankia Naat. These plays were written in Brajboli, the language of Vaishnava saints, ideally suited for expressing spiritual experience in a beautiful way.
Ankiya Nat is so called because it has anka (one act). The play is divided into three parts –
- Recitation of the benedictory verses
- Recitation of the story
- Recitation of mukti mangal bhatima, moral instructions, and words of encouragement.
It is performed on death anniversaries of Sankaradeva and the adhikaris (forefathers of the directors) of monasteries, besides during Vaishnavite festivals like Phagua and Janmashtami.
The play begins around 9:00 PM and ends at dawn. Musical instruments like the mridanga (drum) and tal (cymbal) are used as accompaniments to the dance and songs. The characters wear highly ornate, conventional costumes. Masks are put on by the actors, enacting demons and animals, and the jesters.
Ankiya Nat consists of a fusion of diverse elements like poetry, music, dance, mime, the plastic arts and crafts. It has survived the onslaughts of urbanization and technology.