Bihar’s iconic folk singer, Sharda Sinha, known for her soulful Chhath devotional songs, passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 72. She breathed her last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, marking a poignant end to her life on the first day of the Chhath festival, a time when her music resonated deeply with millions.
Following the news of her death, several notable figures from the music and political spheres expressed their condolences. Bhojpuri singer and BJP Member of Parliament, Manoj Tiwari, visited AIIMS to pay his respects and offer support to Sharda Sinha’s family. Tiwari, who shared a close connection with the late singer, shared his grief on social media, describing her passing as an “irreparable loss” to both the Bhojpuri music community and the nation.
“Today, I had the last darshan of elder sister Sharda Didi ji, who spread the sweetness of Bhojpuri through her Chhathi Maiya and devotional music,” Tiwari wrote in a post on X. He continued, “Her death is an immense loss for the Bhojpuri world and the entire country.”
Kalpana Patwari, another prominent figure in the Bhojpuri music industry, also mourned the loss of Sharda Sinha, describing it as an irreplaceable void in the Purvanchal music world. In an emotional video message, Patwari said, “Sharda Sinha’s influence on Purvanchal music is undeniable. Every person from this region has been touched by her art. She was born to sing Chhath songs, and it feels as though Chhath Maiya has taken her back at this moment.”
Patwari, who admired Sharda Sinha’s contribution to Bhojpuri music, vowed to carry forward her legacy. “Our effort will be to follow in her footsteps and ensure that the Bhojpuri flag she raised never falls,” she added.
Sharda Sinha was celebrated for her powerful voice and her deep connection to the cultural and spiritual essence of Bihar. Over the years, she became synonymous with the Chhath festival, with her songs becoming an integral part of the celebration. Her death has left a lasting impact on the world of Bhojpuri folk music and her fans across the globe.
Her contributions to Bhojpuri music, particularly her devotion to Chhath songs, will continue to inspire future generations of artists and listeners alike.