Bhaona is a traditional devotional theatre of Assam that grew from the Ankia Naat, the one-act plays written by the saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva. Performed in prayer halls called namghar, it dramatises Vaishnavite stories with music, dance, and expressive masks.
Key takeaways
- Bhaona is Assam’s devotional theatre.
- It grew from Sankardeva’s Ankia Naat one-act plays.
- It is performed in prayer halls called namghar.
- Masks, music, and dance carry the Vaishnavite stories.
What is Bhaona?
Bhaona is a form of devotional theatre central to Assamese Vaishnavite culture. It brings to life the Ankia Naat, plays composed by Srimanta Sankardeva in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries to spread devotion through performance.
How it is performed
Performances take place in the namghar, the community prayer hall, and in monastery courtyards. A narrator called the sutradhar guides the action, while performers use stylised movement, song, and striking masks to depict gods and demons.
Why it matters
Bhaona is both worship and art, binding communities together while preserving a centuries-old dramatic tradition. It remains a living part of religious and cultural life across Assam.
Frequently asked questions
Who created the Ankia Naat behind Bhaona?
The Assamese saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva.
Where is Bhaona performed?
In the namghar prayer hall and monastery courtyards.
What role does the sutradhar play in Bhaona?
The narrator who guides and links the performance.