Mangaluru: A 38-year-old man collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack while participating in a bhajan programme held at the premises of Thokur Subrahmanya Temple during Ashtami celebrations on Friday, September 4.
The incident was reported late on Friday night, casting a pall of gloom over the celebrations and leaving family members, friends and fellow participants shocked.
The deceased has been identified as Srinath Shettigar, 38, a resident of Thokur.
Srinath had returned home for Ashtami
Srinath was employed in Bengaluru and had returned to his hometown of Thokur to take part in the Ashtami celebrations.
He was actively involved in local organisations and was known among people in the area for his participation in community activities.
On Friday, he had joined the bhajan programme organised at the temple premises as part of the religious celebrations.
According to the information available, Srinath collapsed while participating in the programme. The incident occurred unexpectedly, leaving those present at the venue distressed.
Tragedy strikes during celebrations
The bhajan programme was being held as part of the Ashtami festivities at the Thokur Subrahmanya Temple. Devotees and local residents had gathered at the temple premises to participate in the religious activities.
The sudden collapse of Srinath reportedly disrupted the programme and prompted those present to respond to the situation.
His death later that night came as a shock to the local community, particularly as he had returned from Bengaluru to spend the festival period in his hometown.
Community mourns loss
Srinath’s death has left family members, friends and members of local organisations mourning his untimely passing.
At 38, his death has been described as a tragic loss for the community. His active involvement in local organisations had made him familiar to many residents in Thokur.
The incident also cast a sombre shadow over the Ashtami celebrations, which were otherwise being observed with religious programmes and gatherings.
The sudden nature of the incident has particularly affected those who were present at the temple during the bhajan programme.
Festival gathering turns tragic
Religious celebrations often bring together large numbers of people from the local community, with bhajans and other devotional programmes forming an important part of the festivities.
The incident at Thokur Subrahmanya Temple, however, turned a festive gathering into a moment of grief for those present.
Srinath had reportedly travelled back to his hometown from Bengaluru for the occasion, making the tragedy particularly poignant for people who knew him and had gathered with him for the celebrations.
His death has left the Thokur community mourning the loss of a young and active member.