The Guru Pankaj Utsav, an annual festival in the memory of Adiguru Pankaj Charan Das, kicked off here on Saturday with awards given away to a number of artists.
Adiguru Pankaj Charan Das Parampara Samman was conferred upon dancer Madhubrata Satapathy. Nalco sponsors the award which carries a purse of Rs 50,000. This apart, flute maestro Mahini Mahan Pattanayak, Mardala player Satchhidananda Das, Sangeeta Gosain and Madhumita Rout were the recipients of Veenakar Samman, Madeli Samman, Gauni Samprada Samman and Sashimani Nachuni Samprada Samman respectively. They each received cash award of Rs 15,000, a citation and a plaque.
The performance segment witnessed captivating recitals by Sujata Nayak, Pushpa Panda, Amrita Adhikari, lucky Pragnya Pratisthita Mahanty and Suraj Kumar Sahoo.
This year Odishi dancer Jyoti Rout will receive the prestigious Mahari Samman.