Bhubaneswar: Famous puppeteer Maguni Charan Kuanar of Keonjhar, Odisha has passed away. He was 80 years old. President Draupadi Murmu expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Maguni Charan Kuanar.
A post on the official X account of the President of India said, “Sad to learn about the demise of Shri Maguni Charan Kuanar, eminent puppeteer of Keonjhar, Odisha. He was awarded the Padma Shri for promoting the traditional puppet dance form. He leaves behind an inspiring legacy. My condolences to his family, friends and fans.”
Odhni Vishesh Kantha Nrittaguୁ଼ିାର Shri Magan Charan Kun Bitoghar Mu Attant Maramahat. Padmashree is a memorable status achieved by promoting the traditional caves. The person who is inspired by the Chhaddiya Padchin Sabda. Many grieving families, friends or relatives or question marks… pic.twitter.com/fGeocmogtK— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 1, 2024
Over the past seven decades, Kuanar has created his own puppets, designed costumes and narrated plays, experimenting with puppets of different sizes.
In the year 2023 he was honoured with Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian awards of the country for his lifetime contribution in the field of art for keeping the art of stick puppetry alive.
He also received the Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Kavi Samrat Upendra Bhanja Samman from the Odisha Sangeet Natak Academy and the Central Sangeet Natak Academy Award.
