PM Modi & Leaders Pay Tribute To Sharda Sinha, The Nightingale Of Bihar, On Her Death Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tribute to the late folk singer Sharda Sinha on her first death anniversary, describing her as a cultural icon who gave a new identity to the art and tradition of Bihar.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “On the first death anniversary of Bihar Kokila Sharda Sinha ji, heartfelt tribute to her. She gave a new identity to Bihar’s art and culture through folk songs, for which she will always be remembered. Her melodious songs associated with the great festival Chhath will forever remain etched in the hearts of the people.”

Sharda Sinha, one of Bihar’s most revered musical voices, passed away on 5 November 2024 after a prolonged illness. Her music, rooted in the traditions of Bhojpuri, Maithili, Angika, and Bajika, touched millions of hearts and played a transformative role in bringing Bihar’s folk heritage to the national stage.

Preserving Bihar’s Folk Identity

Throughout her illustrious career, Sharda Sinha recorded over 1,500 songs across several regional languages. Her deep understanding of folk traditions and her mellifluous voice turned her into a symbol of Bihar’s cultural pride.

Her Chhath songs, especially, became inseparable from the festival itself. Sung in her uniquely devotional tone, they resonated with families across India and among the diaspora, making her the voice of Chhath Puja.

By taking Bihar’s traditional music to the national and global stage, she not only preserved the region’s cultural identity but also elevated its artistic significance.

For her outstanding contributions to folk music, Sharda Sinha received several prestigious national honours, including the Padma Shri (1991) and Padma Bhushan (2018).

In January 2025, she was posthumously conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award — a fitting recognition of her lifelong dedication to Indian folk traditions.

Her admirers recall her as an artist whose voice could evoke both nostalgia and devotion, and whose music bridged generations. She remains an enduring symbol of cultural unity and regional pride.

Tributes from Leaders and Admirers

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also paid his respects, writing on X (translated from Hindi): “On the death anniversary of Smt. Sharda Sinha ji, the Nightingale of Bihar, honored with Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, we offer our humble tribute to her.”

Sharda Sinha’s music continues to inspire generations of singers who see in her not just a performer but a guardian of India’s folk soul.

Her contribution to preserving India’s folk heritage remains unmatched, and her voice will forever echo in the hearts of those who celebrate tradition, devotion, and the spirit of Bihar.

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