Bhubaneswar: In an evening steeped in rhythm, reverence and nostalgia, Mardala maestro late Guru Banamali Maharana’s 85th birth anniversary was celebrated jointly by his brainchild Mardala Academy and Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre at Utkal Rangamanch on May 16.
The evening was graced by deputy director of Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Smt Suchismita Mantri as the chief guest, CSNA awardee and Odissi exponent Dr Snehaprava Samantaray as guest of honour and Guru K Ramarao Patra as the chief speaker. The guests inaugurated the evening by lighting the auspicious lamp. Mardala Academy’s president Guru Laxmikanta Palit, secretary Guru Prafulla Kumar Sahu and advisor CSNA awardee Mardala exponent Guru Dhaneswar Swain were also present on the dais.
After the auspicious lighting the lamp ceremony, the spotlight was shifted to the felicitation ceremony where eminent violinist Guru Arttatrana Satapathy was honoured with ‘Guru Banamali Maharana Smruti Samman 2026’.
While addressing, the guests fondly recalled their association with the mardala guru, taking the audience on a walk down the memory lane.
The cultural evening witnessed some scintillating performances. The evening commenced with a spirited group Mardala recital by the students of the Mardala department of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre, setting a the stage ablaze with rhythmic brilliance.
Next, vocalist Guru Sukant Kumar Kundu presented soulful Odissi vocal renditions, striking a chord with the audience. He was ably supported by Guru Jagannath Kuanr on the Mardala, Dr Jawahar Mishra on the Flute, and Guru Muralidhar Swain on the Harmonium. The following performer of the evening was Odissi dance guru Smt Chapala Mishra, who left the art lovers captivated with her neat performances.
The evening concluded with a vibrant group Odissi recital by the artistes of Bhubaneswar Kala Kendra, under the direction of Guru Meenakshi Behera.
All in all, the celebration turned into a fitting tribute to the legendary maestro, keeping his timeless legacy alive through music, dance and cherished memories.
