Eminent percussionist Banamali Maharana passes away at 83

ONI Bureau:  Eminent percussionist Guru Banamali Maharana breathed his last at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar today afternoon. He was 83.

Born in Raghurajpur village in Puri district, Maharana began his career as a theatre artiste. He partnered with legendary Odissi maestro Kelucharan Mohapatra.

He was honoured with the Odissi Nrutya Samman 2015-16 as given an independent recognition to Odissi Mardala across the globe.

The mardal player also felicitated with the prestigious Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Award for the year 2016.

He was also conferred with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Odissi Music by the then President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam in New Delhi on October 26, 2004.