**Bhubaneswar:** Eminent Odissi Mardala maestro Guru Banamali Maharana breathed his last in a private hospital here today afternoon while undergoing treatment due to old age.
Born in Raghurajpur village in Puri district Maharana began his career as a theatre artiste. He partnered with legendary Odissi maestro Kelucharan Mohapatra and his disciples, including Sanjukta Panigrahi, Sonal Mansingh and Madhavi Mudgal around the world.
He was honoured with the Odissi Nrutya Samman 2015-16 for giving the Odissi Mardala an independent recognition across the globe.
The eminent percussionist was also honoured with the prestigious Upendra Bhanja Samman-2016.
He was also presented 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.
Maharana’s contribution has left an indelible mark on Odissi culture and his death comes as extremely sad news for several disciples and the entire fraternity.
