Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Jun 17: Due to the fire that raged in a godown located in Kandoor of Sajipamooda village owned by 'Satyashree Kala Balaga' of artist Keshav Suvarna in the wee hours on Tuesday June 16, a number of masks, tableaux, costumes, life-size dolls used for processions etc., were reduced to ashes.

Reportedly, the fire was first sighted at about 4.30 am. Reasons for the fire are unknown. As soon as the fire broke out, efforts were made to extinguish the flames. However, huge stock of various artistic items was consumed by fire by then.

The unique tableaux and life-size dolls of Keshav Suvarna had been an added attraction at almost all the festivals and public programmes in the taluk. In the recent past, Suvarna had ventured into the business of fibre body building for auto rickshaws. The loss is estimated at around several lacs of rupees, even though a proper assessment is yet to be made.