Renowned Chhath singer Sharda Sinha passes away at 72

Sharda Sinha’s passing leaves a void in traditional Chhath music

Key Points:

– Chhath Puja icon Sharda Sinha dies at 72 in Delhi’s AIIMS.

– PM Modi expressed condolences, contacting her family.

– Odisha Governor Raghubar Das praised her impact on folk music.

JAMSHEDPUR – Renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, celebrated for her iconic Chhath Puja songs, passed away at the age of 72 on Tuesday at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Her demise has sent waves of grief across India, especially among her fans and the Chhath Puja community.

Sinha’s health had declined sharply on Monday, and despite being on life support, she passed on the opening day of Chhath, known as Nahai Khay.

Tributes and Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to her family earlier, expressing deep concern and later offering his condolences.

Sinha’s passing follows the recent death of her husband, a former lecturer at Jamshedpur Women’s College, amplifying the grief for her loved ones.

Odisha Governor and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das mourned her loss, saying, “Her songs, rich with devotion and folk spirit, made Chhath Puja more meaningful for millions.”

Das recalled listening to Sinha’s performances in Jamshedpur in 2002, highlighting the simplicity and sweetness of her music, which resonated deeply with her audience.

Legacy of Chhath Puja Music

Known as the voice of Chhath, Sinha’s songs embodied the essence of the festival, enriching the atmosphere with devotion and cultural depth.

Her iconic renditions like “Pahile Pahil Chhathi Maiya” have become integral to the celebration of Chhath Puja.

Her work popularized Bhojpuri and Maithili folk music across India, earning her a revered place in the hearts of her listeners.

An icon of Bhojpuri folk music, Sinha was known not only in Bihar and Jharkhand but across India for her unmatched contribution to Chhath music.

Her legacy will live on through her songs, which continue to capture the spirit of the Chhath Puja festival.

Remembering an Icon

Raghubar Das, expressing his sympathy, said, “Her voice embodied the grace of Maa Saraswati and inspired a unique enthusiasm for Chhath.”

Her passing has left a void in traditional music, with many devotees finding it hard to imagine Chhath without her songs.

He extended condolences to her family, praying for peace to the departed soul.