Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Oct 4: Almost everyone in Udupi district is a fan of Chittani Ramachandra Hegde, who left for heavenly abode on Tuesday October 3. In order to provide the fans and followers of this great Yakshagana artiste an opportunity to bid adieu their idol, his mortal remains were kept in public places at Brahmavar, Saligrama, Kota and Kundapur in the district briefly.

An opportunity was provided to people to have the last glimpse of the artiste at Yakshagana Kalakendra, Saligrama. President of the Kalakendra, Anand C Kunder, offered  respects to the artiste by draping the body with cloth. Hundreds of fans of Chittani then paid respects to the departed Yakshagana artiste.

A large crowd of Chittani's followers and fans had gathered at Kota. The body was kept there for about ten minutes. Chittani, who had also served as an artiste of Kota Amruteshwari Yakshagana Mela, had a special place for this Mela in his heart. People and leaders from Kota and surrounding villages lined up to have a glimpse of this great soul and pray for him. President and vice president of Kundapur municipal council too offered their final tributes to the artiste at Kota.

In the town too, fans of Yakshagana art in general and Chittani in particular were waiting for the arrival of the body to be able to see their beloved stage performer for the last time. It was an emotional moment for them when the mortal remains arrived, and people bid adieu to Chittani, who ruled Badaguthittu Yakshagana stage for several decades even till a few days before he breathed  his last. However, his memories will continue to linger for very long.