Remembering Sharda Sinha: The Soulful Voice Of Chhath Puja – News18
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Sharda Sinha, the beloved Bihar Kokila (Nightingale of Bihar), whose soulful voice became synonymous with Chhath Puja, has passed away at the age of 72.
Sharda Sinha passed away at the age of 72. (Image: Instagram)
Sharda Sinha, the celebrated folk singer whose soulful voice became synonymous with the spirit of Chhath Puja, has passed away at the age of 72. Known affectionately as the Bihar Kokila (Nightingale of Bihar), Sinha’s powerful and emotive renditions of devotional songs were cherished by millions, especially during the Chhath festival, which she helped define through her music.
The singer, who had been battling severe health issues in recent weeks, passed away following a period of critical illness. She had been undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma since 2018 and was admitted to the Oncology Medical Department at AIIMS for nearly two weeks.
Anshuman, her son, shared the heartbreaking news of her passing on her official social media page. Alongside a photo of the beloved folk singer, he wrote, “Your prayers and love will always be with my mother. Chhathi Maiya has called her. She is no longer with us in her physical form.”
The singer’s passing has left a void in the hearts of her fans and the cultural landscape of Bihar, especially as her absence is keenly felt during this year’s Chhath Puja.
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Sharda Sinha was born in Bihar, and from humble beginnings rose to become one of India’s most revered folk singers.
Despite societal pressures and personal struggles, including opposition from her mother-in-law who initially forbade her from singing publicly, Sharda’s unwavering passion for music led her to carve out a place for herself in the music industry.
Her husband, Brajkishore, was a key supporter of her dream, and together they overcame many obstacles.
Throughout her illustrious career, Sharda Sinha became known for her renditions of devotional songs, including Kahe Toh Se Sajna and Babul.
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Her music captured the essence of rural Bihar and the emotions tied to family, devotion, and love.
She also gained national recognition for her contributions to Bollywood, singing for films such as Gangs of Wasseypur (Part II), and she was honoured with prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018.
Sharda’s voice, which had accompanied countless Chhath devotees in their worship of the Sun God, was an integral part of the festival.
Her songs, echoing through the waters of the Ganges and across Bihar’s fields, were a soundtrack to one of the most important cultural and religious events in the region.
For many, the festival was incomplete without her songs, which infused the ritual with a deep sense of devotion and tradition.
In her later years, Sharda’s health began to decline, and the recent loss of her husband seemed to deepen the toll on her well-being. Despite her struggles, she continued to inspire with her resilience and deep connection to her roots.
She leaves behind a legacy not only in music but in her ability to inspire devotion and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Sharda Sinha’s passing marks the end of an era for the people of Bihar and for fans across India who grew up listening to her voice.
As Chhath Puja unfolds this year, the absence of her songs will be profoundly felt, but her legacy will live on in every note, every prayer, and every memory of the Bihar Kokila.
Her family, fans, and the entire nation mourn the loss of a beloved artist, whose music will continue to resonate for generations to come.
