Dipjyoti & Dipankar

🪔 About

Dipjyoti Das and Dipankar Arandhara, collectively known as Dipjyoti-Dipankar, are distinguished exponents of Sattriya, a major Indian classical dance form originating from Assam. Their initial training in Sattriya dance was under Guru Smt. Bobbyrani Talukdar and Smt. Dollyrani Talukdar, and they continue to receive guidance from Sri Ram Krishna Talukdar. They have also achieved Bisharad in Kathak dance, having been trained by Guru Smt. Bobbyrani Talukdar and Kathak exponent Guru Marami Medhi. The duo commenced performing Sattriya dance as a duet in 2007, subsequently elevating the art form to national and international platforms. Their appearance on the DD National reality show "Bharat ki Shan Rum Jhum" in 2015 brought them national recognition and the blessings of Padmabibhusan Dr. Sonal Mansingh. Their extensive performance career includes prestigious Indian festivals such as Octave in Goa and Mumbai, Samprada Festival in Bhopal, Nritya Parva, the Khajuraho Dance Festival in 2014, and the Umang festival by NCPA Mumbai in 2022. Internationally, they have conducted workshops and delivered performances in various locations across England, including the Consulate General of India Birmingham and the Nehru Centre in London in 2023. In 2008, Dipjyoti-Dipankar established Manikanchan Kala Manjari, a cultural institute located in Beltola, Guwahati, dedicated to the instruction and promotion of Sattriya dance. This academy has seen numerous students graduate and perform Sattriya dance throughout India. They are also recognized for their choreographic contributions, notably "Narasimha—The half man and half lion incarnation of Vishnu," which is based on an extract from the Kirtan Ghosha by Srimanta Sankardev. Their significant contributions to Sattriya dance have been acknowledged with several accolades. In 2021, they were honored with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Government of India. Individually, Dipjyoti received a gold medal for Sattriya Dance at the Youth Festival 2012, organized by Guwahati University, while Dipankar secured a 1st class first position in B. Music from Luit Knowar Rudra Baruah State College of Music, affiliated with Guwahati University. The duo has also been awarded the "Uddugik Bota" by All Assam Nibanuwa Sanstha and the "Yubakalaratna Award" by Kuchipudi Art Academy Andhra Pradesh. Awards & Honours: Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2021), Gold Medal for Sattriya Dance in Youth Festival (2012), Uddugik Bota, Yubakalaratna Award.