Yakshagana Bhagavatha Padyana Ganapathi Bhat no more

October 12, 2021
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Mangaluru, Oct 12, 2021: Noted Yakshagana ‘Bhagavatha’ Padyana Ganapathi Bhat passed away today at his house in Sullia. He was 66.

Hailing from the family of Yakshagana artistes, Ganapathi Bhat’s Yakshagana journey had started when he was 15 years.

He was a household name for over four decades in the Tenku Tittu Schoool of Yashagana, and one of the most sought-after Bhagavatha until he retired about three years ago.

For about 26 years he was associated with Mahammayi Yakshagana Mendali of Surathkal. He was part of Chowdeshwari, Kundavu, Hosanagara, Edaneeru, Karnataka, Mangaladevi, Hanumagiri, and Surathkal Melas.

Padyana was the recipient of the Dakshina Kannada district Rajyotsava award apart from various others.

He was trained by Mambady Narayana Bhagavatha. Bhat’s Grand Father Puttur Narayana was a ‘Bhagavatha’ and father Tirumaleshwar Bhat was a ‘Maddale’ player.