Bangalore-based Odishi exponent Sharmila Mukherjee would be conferred with the prestigious Mahari Award for the current year. The award carries a citation, a memento and a cash prize of `50, 000.
Mukherjee is the founder-member of the Sanjali Centre for Odishi Dance in Bangalore.
The award has been instituted by city-based Guru Pankaj Charan Odishi Research Foundation. The 22nd edition of the festival would be held at the Rabindra Mandap here for three days from March 18.
Besides, Guru Keshab Chandra Rout would be felicitated with Vinakara Sammana, Guru Kalindhi with Madeli, Pushpita Mukherjee with Shashimani Nachuni Samprda and singer Shantilata Barik would get Gauni Samprada award.
The festival would feature solo performances of many noted and eminent Odishi dancers, the hosts informed at a Press meet held here on Wednesday.
The 97th birth anniversary of Adi Guru Pankaj Charan Das would be celebrated on March 17jointly by the State Culture Department and the GKCM Odishi Research Centre, informed Foundation director Sarat Das.