Legendary classical Indian dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai passed away Thursday in the western Indian state of Gujarat, her family said.

She was 97 years old and breathed her last at a hospital in Ahmedabad city, where she was being treated for an infection.

"My mother Mrinalini Sarabhai has just left for her eternal dance," Mallika Sarabhai, her daughter wrote on her Facebook page.

Mallika too is a celebrated classical dancer.

Mrinalini Sarabhai, an ace danseuse, has trained thousands of people in Indian classical dance forms at her Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad.

She was passionate about Bharatnatyam and Kathakali dance forms.

India's official broadcaster -- All India Radio (AIR) said her last rites will be performed at her native village of Pethapur in Gandhinagar district.

She was a recipient of India's third highest civilian award -- Padma Bhushan. Endit

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