Who is credited with composing the five-day ‘Devi Mahatme’ episode, which is considered an important milestone in the history of Yakshagana literature?

Balipa Narayan Bhagwat, a renowned Yakshagana singer and screenwriter, passed away at the age of 85.

He was famous for his unique style of singing, which was named after him as 'Balipa Style'. With a rich voice, Bhagwat had written more than 30 scripts for Yakshagana performances and was well-versed in over 100 episodes, which he composed by heart.

He had dedicated about 60 years to the field of Yakshagana and served as the chief Bhagwat of Kateel Durgaparameshwari Prasadita Yakshagana Mandali (Kateel Mela).