27 Sep 2013, Amritapuri – Amritavarsham60
The evening of Amritavarsham 60 witnessed a scintillating performance on Odissi percussion instruments led by eminent Mardala player Guru Dhaneswar Swain. Tabla, Bhol, Kanjani, Harmonium, Mardalam, Nishaan and Flute together produced systematic beats. The music, beats and outstanding talent of Guru Dhaneswar created a musical extravaganza that kept the audience engrossed in a spiritual symphony. The mardal exponent is well known for his energetic directions and verbal wonders, and he proved it today through a power packed performance that described the dance of Lord Krishna through Brindavan. Each step was portrayed beautifully, as thoughts of Lord Krishna filled the minds of devotees everywhere.
He used the traditional rhythm patterns to create a unique tempo which started with a sonorous melody and culminated with high speed. The rhythm and the beats perfectly synchronized with the bols (rhythmic syllables) in conformity with different notations produced a melody that delighted the music lovers which filled the hearts of the audience with new excitements and emotions. Guru Shri Swain was assisted by Guru Rankanidhi Pradhan on Tabla, Ajay Choudhury on Khanjani, Baibhaba Kumar on Dholak, Kalindi Charan Parida on Khol, Budhanath Swain on Mardala, Rajendra Swain and Surendra Tripathy on Harmonium, Shri Sanjeev Kundu on Violin, Shri Rabi Naryan Barik on Jodi Nagara, Shri Biswaranjan Nanda on Tabla, Shri Soubhagya Naryan Chhotray, Shri Bibhuti Bhusan Beura, Shri Pratap Mishra and Guru Dhaneswar Swain on Mardala apart from rendering melodious bols. It was a wonderful performance that had the audience clapping and cheering to each beat. It felt as though one was right there, in Brindavan, watching the leelas of Lord Krishna.
By the end of his performance, the audience was definitely energized and ready, and like the gopis’ minds being filled with the thoughts of Krishna and his divine dance, the devotees’ thoughts were filled with Amma, and her divine love.
– Rahul Raj, Suseela Devi S Nair