Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Nov 28: Renowned daiva nartaka (divine dancer) of Shirva, Sadhu Panara (47), passed away at his residence on Thursday following a brief illness. He was unmarried. He is survived by four sisters and three brothers.
A revered performer of Babbu Swami Daiva, Sadhu Panara was honoured with the Udupi District Rajyotsava Award in 2019 for his contributions to daiva aradhane (spirit worship) traditions of Tulunadu.
He began training under senior artistes at the age of 14 and went on to master the sacred paddanas — traditional oral epics narrating the origins and legends of the daivas. His expertise and dedication earned him deep respect among cultural practitioners and devotees alike.
His demise has left the local daivaradhane community and cultural circles in grief.