‘Bihar Kokila’ Sharda Sinha’s Last Rites Performed With Full State Honours

November 7, 2024: The passing of Sharda Sinha, the iconic folk singer known as the “Bihar Kokila” for her melodious renditions, marks the end of an era in Bihar’s cultural history. She passed away on November 5, after battling septicaemia while receiving treatment at AIIMS Delhi. The news of her death has left a deep void in the folk music scene, not only in Bihar but across the country.

Sharda Sinha was renowned for her contributions to Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi folk music, with a special emphasis on the songs of Chhath Puja. She was one of the most prominent voices associated with this important cultural and religious festival in Bihar, and her songs, often infused with deep reverence and devotion, became an integral part of the Chhath celebrations.

Her final rites were performed with full state honours in Patna . The ritual took place in the same location where her husband’s last rites had been conducted, making it a deeply emotional moment for her family.

Her son, Anshuman Sinha, spoke emotionally about her, recalling how she instilled a love for folk culture in her children and emphasized the importance of staying connected with one’s roots. “Her work made the folk culture more beautiful,” he said, “and this is her legacy that we will carry forward.”

The tributes poured in from various political leaders, musicians, and admirers. Chirag Paswan, Union Minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) chief, expressed how Sharda Sinha’s songs had made Chhath Puja music popular worldwide. He also pointed out the coincidence that Sinha passed away on the first day of Chhath, the festival she had become synonymous with.

BJP leader Ram Kripal Yadav called her “the pride of the nation,” highlighting that her journey in music began with the songs of Chhath Maiya. With her passing, he said, a void had been created in the cultural world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his tributes, calling her death an “irreparable loss” to the music world. He acknowledged her immense contribution to Bhojpuri and Maithili folk music and expressed that the echo of her melodious songs would resonate forever.

Sharda Sinha’s legacy is deeply rooted in the music of Bihar, especially her evocative renditions of Chhath songs, which she made popular on national and international platforms. Her voice had become an essential part of the festival, with her songs capturing the devotion and spirituality that mark the occasion.

As the Padma Bhushan awardee, Sinha’s career spanned decades, beginning in the 1970s. She was a cultural ambassador of Bihar, taking its folk music traditions to the world. Her passing marks a significant loss for the folk music scene, but her songs will continue to inspire generations.

The tributes also came from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who called her an irreplaceable figure in Bihar’s cultural history. Political leaders like Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, as well as various regional leaders, shared their condolences.

Sharda Sinha’s death is not only a personal loss for her family but a national loss for India’s cultural heritage. Through her soulful renditions, she touched millions of lives, and her music will live on as a symbol of Bihar’s rich folk traditions. As her family, friends, and fans mourn her loss, Sharda Sinha’s impact on Chhath Puja, Bihar’s folk music, and Indian music as a whole will continue to resonate for years to come.