Ustad Amjad Ali Khan honoured

Bhubaneswar, Feb 20 (PTI) Sarod maestro Ustad AmjadAli Khan was honoured with the first Guru Gangadhar PradhanAward in recognition of his outstanding contribution to theworld of music.

The award, instituted in memory of renowned Odissiexponent, was presented to Khan at the 26th Konark Dance andMusic Festival near the famous Sun Temple at Konark.

The maestro received the award, carrying a citationand Rs one lakh, from Carnatic music exponent M BalamuraliKrishna at the inaugural ceremony of the five-day festivallast night.

The annual festival got off to a colourful start witha sarod recital by the maestro against the impressive backdropof the Sun Temple, keeping the audience spellbound.

In the festival, music lovers are to be treated withCarnatic vocal presentation by Krishna and performances byflutist Ronu Mazumdar and Tabla exponent Vijat Ghate.

Dance shows include Kathak by Nadam troupe and BharatNatyam by Nritya Kala Mandir of Bangalore, while artists ofKonark Nritya Mandal would present Odissi, organisers said.