Mangaluru: Yakshagana doyen Balipa Narayan Bhagavatha (86), popularly known as Bheeshma of Yakshagana Bhagavatike passed away on the evening of Thursday February 16 at Nooyi’s residence at Marur in Moodabidri Municipality limits.
Known for his strong voice in Yakshagana Bhagavatike for the past few decades, he had thousands of admirers. He is survived by three sons, a family and a host of admirers.
Balipa Narayana Bhagavata was originally from Padre Village in Kasaragod District. He has served as a Bhagavata in Kateel Durgaparameshwari Yakshagana Mela for several years. He has also written many Yakshagana songs.
Balipa was born on March 13, 1938 at Padre Village of Kasaragod. His parents were Balipa Madhava Bhat and Saraswati. He had studied till class 7. At the age of 13, he learnt Bhagavatike from his grandfather Balipa Narayana Bhagavata and entered the stage.
Balipa Narayana Bhagavata was engaged in Yakshagana for 60 years. He was the first to start the Padre Jathadhari Mela. Balipa used to sing in the notes of black three and white five. For his long service to Yakshagana, Yakshagana lovers have constructed Balipa Amrita Bhavana. Balipa Narayana Bhagavata wrote a mahaprasanga called Devi Mahatme which was published by Kaje Subrahmanya Bhat and his friends from Venoor. It is an important work in the history of Yakshagana.
He was felicitated with many prestigious awards such as Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 2010, Samaga Award 2012, Karnataka Janapada and Yakshagana Academy’s ‘Jnana Puraskaram’ 2003, Karnataka Janapada Parishat Doddamane Lingegowda Award 2002, and 71st Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana ‘Karnataka Sri’ Award, 2003.
He has been conferred with Agari Puraskaram in 2002, Sheni Award, 2002, Kavi Muddana Puraskaram, 2003, Kudlu Subraya Shanubhoga Award, 2003, State Bank of Mysore State-level Award in Bengaluru 2003, Karnataka Sangha Dubai Award, 2003, Parthisubba Award, and Alva’s Nudisiri Award.
