The state will lay renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha to rest with full honors today. The legendary singer breathed her last on Tuesday around 9:20 PM due to refractory shock caused by septicemia, an official from AIIMS Delhi confirmed.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced that the state would conduct a funeral for Padma Bhushan awardee Sharda Sinha. An official release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office said. Sinha had been receiving treatment for multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, at AIIMS Delhi since 2018.
This folk singer, aptly called “Bihar Kokila” for her melodious folk renditions, died on the first day of Chhath Puja-a day dear to her fans for its quintessential songs relating to the festival.
In a heartfelt statement, Anshuman Sinha shared that the family chose to perform his mother’s last rites at the same location in Patna where they had laid his father to rest. Anshuman expressed, “This is an incredibly difficult time for us. She was dearly loved by everyone, and her passing has left us all in shock. Her music and her caring nature will remain in our hearts forever.”
Sharda Sinha’s mortal remains arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport early on Wednesday morning. And her mortal remains will be taken to Patna for the funeral.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, deeply moved by Sinha’s passing, shared on Twitter, “Her loss is beyond measure.” He also expressed his personal grief, saying, “She had promised to visit my home, and now that promise will remain unfulfilled. This is a personal loss for me too. I pray for strength for her family and all those who loved her.”
Her family has decided to honor her life with full state rites in Bihar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, calling Sinha’s passing “a tremendous loss” to the music world. According to him, her contributions were immense and discriminating to Bhojpuri. And Maithili folk songs on Chhath, which are full of emotions forming an intrinsic part of the festival.
“The echoes of her melodious songs will resonate forever,” Modi said in a condolence message.
Sinha’s death also marked the end of an era in Bihar’s folk music circuit. Starting her career in the 1970s, she went on to emerge as the cultural ambassador of Bihar. Creating an indelible mark in the realms of Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi folk music. A powerhouse of voice with an endearing attachment to the folklore of her native place made her one of the most loved artists within the country and also internationally.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge are among other political stalwarts who have also condoled her death. Terming it an irreparable loss to the cultural history of the state.
ANI
