Celebrated Assamese artist and cultural revivalist Shri Reba Kanta Mahanta has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri for his exceptional contributions to Art, particularly in preserving and promoting the traditional cultural heritage of Assam.
Known for his decades-long commitment to Sattriya Nritya, classical music, and Assamese folk traditions, Shri Mahanta has played a vital role in reviving and safeguarding Vaishnavite art forms that are integral to the cultural identity of Assam.
Sattriya, one of India’s classical dance forms, was born in the monastic sattras of Assam and popularized by saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardev. Shri Reba Kanta Mahanta has been a lifelong practitioner and promoter of this sacred art, contributing as a performer, teacher, and scholar.
He has trained hundreds of students and staged performances across India, bringing the grace, philosophy, and rhythm of Sattriya to new audiences. His efforts have not only preserved the art but also elevated its global visibility.
“Sattriya is not merely a dance form—it is a living expression of devotion, discipline, and Assamese spirituality,” Shri Mahanta once remarked.
Apart from performing arts, Shri Mahanta has been instrumental in documenting oral traditions, preserving rare manuscripts, and integrating traditional art into modern education. His initiatives have strengthened cultural institutions and inspired young artists across Assam.
The Padma Shri recognizes not just his artistic excellence but his deep-rooted commitment to Assam’s intangible heritage.
At a time when regional art forms are vulnerable to neglect, Shri Reba Kanta Mahanta’s recognition serves as a beacon for cultural preservation. His Padma Shri is a moment of pride for Assam and for all who believe in safeguarding India’s artistic legacy.
