Bhubaneswar, (Orissa Today), June 1: Popular rod puppeteer Maguni Charan Kuanr passed away at his residence in Keonjhar on Saturday morning at the age of 88.
Sources indicate that he had been unwell and was recently admitted to the district headquarters hospital for age-related health issues.
In March 2023, Kuanr was honored with the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu at a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. He received one of India’s highest civilian awards for his lifelong dedication to preserving the art of rod puppetry.
Born in 1937 in Keonjhar, Kuanr hailed from a family of traditional puppeteers and was introduced to Kandhei Nacha, which uses rod puppets, by his father, Baishnab Charan Kuanr. His work has been documented by various organizations both in India and internationally.
