Bhubaneswar:23/7/17: Eminent mardal player Banamali Maharana has been felicitated with the prestigious Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Award for the year 2016.
State Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda presented Maharana with a citation, plaque and cash prize of Rs 1 lakh for his lifelong contribution to music industry at a special function here on Saturday. Besides, 16 others luminaries were also lauded with Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy awards for their immense contribution to classical dance like Odissi, folkdance, instrumental music, theatre and other performing arts. The awardees were felicitated with a cash prize of Rs 50,000 along with a citation and plaque.