Like a melody abruptly cut short, the untimely demise of Ayyappadas pulled his son, Harihar Das, away from the Kerala School Kalolsavam stage just moments before his performance. Instead of playing his flute at the prestigious event in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, the young musician returned to Kottayam, carrying the instrument and a heavy heart.

Ayyappadas, 45, a singer with the Kottayam Star Voice music troupe, lost his life in a motorcycle accident on the Kottayam-Ernakulam road near Kanakkari junction on Saturday night. He was returning home after a stage performance when the fatal crash occurred.

The devastating news reached Harihar Das, a Plus One student of Lakkattoor MGM NSS HS, just as he was completing his final preparations for the flute competition at Kalolsavam. By early Sunday morning, at 5.30 am, he was taken home, accompanied by his teacher, M S Aswathy.

And as the enchanting melodies rose from flutes captivated the audience at the Kalolsavam venue, Ayyappadas's home in Kodungoor echoed with the heart-wrenching cries of grief. His wife, Pratibha, son Harihar, and daughter Agrima mourned their loss as the cremation took place at 8 PM on Sunday.

Vazhoor mourns its beloved singer
The sudden demise of A K Ayyappadas of Ambiyil House, a popular figure in the state's Gaanamela (music performance) scene, left his native place in shock and disbelief. Ayyappadas’s motorcycle collided with a bicycle, causing him to lose control. Both he and the cyclist sustained severe injuries and were taken to the hospital by the passerby, but only after a long delay.

A veteran singer with over 25 years of experience, Ayyappadas was a vital presence in various music troupes across Kerala. He had graced hundreds of stages and was a familiar voice at cultural nights, weddings, and other festive gatherings in the region.

Ayyappadas began his singing career at a young age, gaining recognition through Cochin Kalabhavan and numerous Gaanamela troops. His talent also shone on TV shows, earning him a vast network of friends and admirers.

He is survived by his wife, Pratibha; sons, Harihar Das and Madhav Das (students at MGM NSS, Lakkattoor); and daughter, Agrima Das (a student at Government LP School, Anikkad).

Community’s support for the family
In a bid to support the grieving family, Prasad Panachikkal and Rajesh Mahadeva, office bearers of the Kottayam Dream Voice and Vazhoor Devaragam music troupes, announced that five cents of land would be purchased for building a new house for the family. Local panchayat member V P Reji confirmed that fellow artists and friends would come together to construct the house once the land was allotted.