Bhubaneswar: Noted Odisha puppeteer Padma Shri Maguni Charana Kuanra has passed away at the age of 88 years. He breathed his last today morning at his home in Keonjhar after prolonged age related illness. President Droupadi Murmu had awarded Maguni with Padma Shri award in 2023.
He is well known for propagating the rod puppetry dance form also known as Kathi kundhei nacha. He has received many honours for his outstanding achievement and preserving the traditional art form. He is the recipient of Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Samman from Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Kendriya Sangeet Natak Akademi award.