Sharda Sinha to be cremated tomorrow with state honors at Patna

Renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, celebrated for her contributions to Bhojpuri and Maithili music, passed away on Tuesday night at AIIMS Delhi. She was 72 years old. Sinha’s health had deteriorated in recent weeks, and despite showing signs of recovery, she succumbed to septicemia on the first day of the Chhath festival—a festival she helped popularize through her iconic songs. Known as the "Bihar Kokila (Cuckoo of Bihar)," Sinha’s soulful voice captured the spirit of Bihar’s cultural heritage and festivals, especially Chhath, for decades.

Her body arrived in Patna on Wednesday by an Indigo flight, where Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and leader Vijay Sinha received her remains at the airport. Many admirers gathered for her final darshan, set to take place in Patna later in the day. Plans have been made for her last rites, which will be held on Thursday morning at 8 a.m. with state honors at Gulabi Ghat, allowing fans and well-wishers to pay their final respects.

BJP National President JP Nadda is expected to visit her residence in Patna’s Rajendra Nagar area to pay his personal tributes on Thursday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences in a tweet, remarking that Sinha’s Maithili and Bhojpuri folk songs were treasured across India. He highlighted her contributions to Chhath, noting that the echo of her songs will resonate with generations to come.

Sharda Sinha was initially admitted to AIIMS on October 26, following a sudden decline in her health. After a period of improvement on November 3, she was moved to a private ward. However, on November 4, her condition deteriorated again as her oxygen levels began to drop, prompting the hospital to place her on a ventilator. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, she passed away on Tuesday night due to complications from septicemia.

Sinha’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian folk music. She was a Padma Bhushan recipient, honored for her dedication to preserving the rich folk traditions of Bihar. Her songs during Chhath brought the festival’s joy, reverence, and spirit to millions, making her a cultural icon and a cherished daughter of Bihar. The people of Bihar and fans across the country mourn her loss, with her legacy set to endure in the timeless melodies she left behind.