Budhanath Swain

🪔 About

Shri Budhanath Swain is a distinguished Indian classical music figure, renowned for his mastery of the mardala, a traditional percussion instrument integral to Odissi dance and music. Hailing from Puri, Odisha, Swain is celebrated for his captivating solo mardala performances and his expertise in accompanying Odissi dance and music. His musical journey began under the tutelage of the legendary Late Guru Banamali Maharana, a Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee and brother of Padma Vibushan Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra. Swain dedicated seven to eight pivotal years to learning mardala from Guru Banamali Maharana. Demonstrating a holistic approach to his art, he also pursued training in Odissi vocal under Guru Keshav Chandra Raut and Odissi dance under Guru Pankaj Pradhan, providing him with a comprehensive foundation in the classical arts of Odisha. Budhanath Swain holds a Master's Degree in Music (Mardala) from Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, further solidifying his academic and practical understanding of the instrument. His talent and dedication have been recognized by prestigious institutions; he is a 'B High' graded artist by All India Radio Cuttack and Doordarshan Bhubaneshwar. As an esteemed educator, Shri Budhanath Swain has years of experience imparting his expertise to students of all ages. His teaching extends across Odisha, other parts of India, and internationally, including the USA and Australia. He plays a pivotal role in training students in the classical Odissi Mardala art form at the Sohamasmi Centre for Performing Arts in Australia. Among his notable accolades, Swain has been honored with the Senior Scholarship for Odissi Mardala by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and has received the prestigious title of 'Talamani' from Sur-Singar, Mumbai. Through his performances and teaching, Budhanath Swain continues to contribute significantly to the preservation and propagation of Odissi music and dance. Awards & Honours: Senior Scholarship for Odissi Mardala, Talamani.