Legendary Folk Singer Sharda Sinha Passes Away at 72

Legendary folk singer, Sharda Sinha, known fondly as the “Bihar Kokila” (Nightingale of Bihar) has passed away at age 72 due to complications from cancer. Sinha’s voice brought joy and pride to countless people, especially those who celebrated the traditional festivals of Bihar. Her songs, full of warmth and authenticity, made her a beloved figure in Indian folk music.

Celebrating Bihar’s Festivals Through Music

Sharda Sinha was especially famous for her songs during Chhath Puja, a popular festival celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Her songs like “Kelwa Ke Paat Par” and “Sakal Jagatarini Hey Chhathi Mata” were played everywhere during this festival, making her a vital part of the celebrations. Sinha was deeply proud of her roots and used her music to share her state’s rich culture with people all over India.

Bringing Regional Music to a Bigger Stage

Sinha started her musical journey in 1980 with All India Radio and Doordarshan. Over the years, her popularity grew as she sang in several languages, including Bhojpuri, Maithili, Magahi, and Hindi. Her voice became a symbol of Bihar’s traditional music, and she was invited to represent her state at important events, like the Bihar Utsav in New Delhi in 2010.

Though she mainly focused on folk music, Sharda Sinha also lent her voice to Bollywood. She sang in movies like “Maine Pyar Kiya” and “Gangs of Wasseypur Part 2”, bringing her unique sound to a national audience.

Awards and Honors

In recognition of her talent and contributions, the Government of India awarded her with two of the country’s top honors. She received the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018. These awards highlight her impact not only in Bihar but across India.

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