Odia Arist Binod Maharana, Folk Dancer Bhagwat Pradhan Conferred Padma Shri

Bhubaneswar: Odia ‘pattachitra’ maestro Binod Maharana and renowned folk dancer Bhagwat Pradhan were conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award by President Draupadi Murmu on Thursday in a ceremony held at the Darbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries were present during the occasion.

Bhagwat Pradhan, aged 85 from Bargarh district, has dedicated five decades to performing and propagating his folk dance form. He has over 600 disciples.

Binod Maharana from Khurda is well known for his mastery in the intricate art of ‘Patta painting’. He is training the young generation in palm leaf carving and Patta painting.

President Murmu highlighted their achievements in a social media post, commending their dedication to preserving and promoting Odisha’s rich artistic heritage.