The last rites of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha will be performed today with full state honours. The legendary singer passed away on Tuesday at around 9:20 PM due to refractory shock as a result of septicaemia, confirmed an AIIMS Delhi official. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced that the last rites of the Padma Bhushan awardee would be conducted with full state honours, as stated in an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office.
Sharda Sinha, fondly known as “Bihar Kokila” for her melodious renditions of folk music, was admitted to AIIMS Delhi, where she had been undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, since 2018. She passed away on the first day of Chhath Puja, a significant day for her fans, who associate her iconic Chhath Mahaparv songs with the festival. Anshuman Sinha, her son, shared the family’s decision to perform her last rites at the same location in Patna where his father’s final rites were held.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, deeply affected by Sinha’s passing, expressed his condolences, calling her death an irreparable loss. He recalled how Sharda Sinha had promised to visit his house, a promise now left unfulfilled. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the late singer, describing her death as an “irreparable loss” for the music world. He praised her immense contributions to Bhojpuri and Maithili folk music, especially for her moving Chhath songs, which remain a staple of the festival.
Sharda Sinha’s death marks the end of an era in Bihar’s folk music tradition. Her voice, which became synonymous with Chhath festival songs, left an indelible mark on the traditional music scene. Celebrated for her soulful renditions, she was a cultural ambassador for Bihar’s folk music, bringing its essence to national and international audiences. Her passing is mourned by fans and political leaders alike, with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar calling her an irreplaceable figure in the state’s cultural history.