Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Mar 16: 

Eminent Odisha percussionist Guru Banamali Maharana  has been honoured with the Odissi  Nrutya Samman for 2015-16.

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The sixth edition of the Odissi Nrutya Samman  by Nrutyangana dance school, was held in the Odisha capital yesterday.

Former chief minister of Odisha Giridhar Gomang was the chief guest of the event. He said that the beautiful classical  dance of Odissi has made Odisha famous in the world, so we need to preserve our  rich culture and tradition.

Secretary cum Principal of Nrutyangana, Subhash Chandra Swain presided over the event.

Guru Banamali Maharana was awarded as he has given the Odissi Mardala an independent recognition across the globe.

Maharana was born in Raghurajpur village, in Puri district and 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.