Sirsi: Prominent Bhagavatige artiste from the field of folk art, Yakshagana, Nebbur Narayana Bhagavath (82) passed away due to cardiac arrest, here on Saturday, May 11.
Narayana Bhagavath had begun his journey in the field of Yakshagana from Idugunji Sri Mahaganapathi Yakshagana Mandali under his Guru (mentor) Keremane Shivaram Hegde.
He served as the main Bhagavatige of Keremane Mela for around five decades.
He then went on to serve in the Keremane Mela for around five decades performing Bhagavatige not only in the state but also at the international level. He along with Shivaram Hegde, have given shows in the United States, China, Nepal, London, France and several other countries.
Narayana Bhagavath has won several awards for his contribution in the field of Yakshagana. To name a few, they are the Karnataka Janapada Academy Award in the year 1996, Keremane Shivarama Hegde Award in 2002, Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and Sheni Award in the year 2006.
Narayana Bhagavath is survived by his wife, daughter and a son.
