Nayagarh: A Class IX student from Nayagarh district of Odisha has earned popularity in lieu of his talent of playing musical instrument ‘Thakara’, a rare acoustic instrument seen played during Sankirtan, Nadia and other such performances in Odisha villages.
Meet Sangram Swain, a Class IX student from Godipali village under Haripur panchayat in Odagan block of Nayagarh district who has lately earned name and fame for playing music instrument Thakara. He is the only son of Gadadhar Swain, a teacher.
What is Thakara? Thakara is a percussion instrument that is used to accompany a vocal or instrumental music. The instrument is made of Shisham wood. The instrument produces a sound like ‘thak’ ‘thak’ and hence it is called ‘Thakara’.
Though this instrument is synonymous to Daskathia, its making style is different. Daskathia is a percussion instrument used in Odisha. “Thakara’ is made in a stand with the help of four handles and anklet bells (Ghungura). This instrument is now on the verge of extinction.
Sangram had learned playing Thakara from his grandfather. Besides playing the instrument, the talented youngster can also produce enchanting music by beating his chest and mouth with his hand. And the output is melodic to hear and astonishing for its unique way of production.
Initially his grandfather had presented a thakara to him. Years back he was also famous as a Thakara player. He used to play the instrument at Raghunath temple in Odagan.
When Sangram plays Thakara his sister sings and dances to his music. According to him, his inspiration is his family.
With inputs from Utpal Kumar Sahu, Nayagarh
Ms Kalinga