Bhubaneswar: Danseuse Sanchita Bhattacharya from Calcutta was conferred with this year's Mahari Samman at the Guru Pankaj Utsav that concluded on Monday.

Well-known Odissi dancer, Sanchita has made remarkable contribution to Odissi dance as a soloist.

She also has the credit of performing Odissi at a number of dance festivals across the country.

Dancers such as Rupashree Mohapatra, Sujata Mohapatra, Aruna Mohanty, Aloka Kanungo, Meera Das, Kavita Dwivedi and many others have been the recipients of the award in the past.

"I feel humbled to receive the coveted award. My aim has always been to spread the legacy of Odissi across the world and I will continue to do the same," said Sanchita.

The event marked the 99th birth anniversary of Guru Pankaj Charan Das. Danseuse Ratna Roy was also felicitated at the event with the Adi Guru Pankaj Charan Das Parampara Samman.

Roy is known as a bonafide disciple of Pankaj Charan and holds his legacy abroad.

She has earned many awards and honours from various countries for her Odissi skills.

"My father always promoted young talent. We also encourage solo performers. That is why, a number of dance recitals by promising artistes were showcased at the festival this year," said the late Pankaj Charan Das's son Sarat Das, who is also the director of the Guru Pankaj Charan Odissi Research Foundation.

Dancers from all over the country and even from the USA took part in the event.