Kochi, Aug 11 (IANS): Master percussionist Acharya Kuzhur Narayana Marar died here Thursday morning, family sources said. He was 91.

Kuzhur died at a private hospital where he was undergoing treatment for age-related illness. The funeral will be held at his home in Koratty later in the day.

Last year he was awarded the Padmabhushan award.

Born in a tiny hamlet near Mala in Thrissur district, his whole family is noted for its efforts in popularising Panchavadyam, a form of music, across the country.

Kuzhur was initiated into this arena at the age of five by his father Manikkamangalam Kuchupilla Kurup.

Kuzhur learned the nuances on musical instruments like edakka, timila and chenda and his gurus included Perumpilly Kesava Marar, Ramamangalam Thazhathedath Rama Marar and Manikkamangalam Narayana Kurup.

Over the years, he came to be respected as the foremost in this area and even as age was catching up, he was a much sought after artiste.