India Mourns the Loss of Sharda Sinha, Beloved “Nightingale of Bihar”

New Delhi, 05 November 2024: Celebrated as “Bihar’s Nightingale,” iconic folk singer Sharda Sinha passed away on November 5 after a prolonged battle with multiple myeloma, a rare form of bone marrow cancer. The 72-year-old singer, who spent her last days on ventilator support at AIIMS in Delhi, was renowned for her soulful renditions of Bhojpuri and Maithili folk songs, especially her contributions to the beloved Chhath Puja festival. Her songs, including “Pahile-Pahile Hum Kaini Chhath” and “Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugela Suruj Mal,” resonated deeply with millions and became synonymous with Bihar’s cultural celebrations. Sinha’s dedication to preserving regional music earned her national recognition, and her voice became a symbol of Bihar’s rich heritage.Born on October 1, 1952, in Bihar, she brought a sense of pride to Bhojpuri and Maithili-speaking communities with her renditions of folk songs that resonated across generations and became an integral part of India’s cultural landscape. Her deep connection to Bihar’s iconic Chhath Puja festival is forever immortalized in her famous songs like *”Pahile-Pahile Hum Kaini Chhath,” “Kelwa Ke Paat Par Ugela Suruj Mal,” “Hey Chhathi Maiya,”* and *”Bahangi Lachakat Jaye,”* each capturing the beauty and devotion associated with this revered festival. These songs found a home in millions of hearts across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and the entire nation, making her voice synonymous with the cultural celebrations of the festival. Beyond folk music, Sinha made a significant impact in Bollywood with her unique voice and memorable renditions. Her songs in popular films brought her wider recognition, especially *”Kahe Tose Sajna” from the film Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)*, which became a nationwide hit and showcased her versatility. Other Bollywood hits like *”Taar Bijli” from Gangs of Wasseypur* and *”Babul Jo Tumne Sikhaya” from Hum Aapke Hain Koun* further solidified her presence in the mainstream music industry and introduced the magic of her folk roots to an even larger audience.

These songs not only earned her a place in Bollywood but also brought a touch of traditional Indian music to the silver screen, captivating audiences from all walks of life. Throughout her life, Sinha’s commitment to keeping Bihar’s folk heritage alive was unwavering. Her last Chhath album, *Arghya*, featured eight songs that captured the spirit and significance of the festival, once again highlighting her dedication to traditional music. She believed that folk music was the cultural heartbeat of the land and worked tirelessly to ensure that Bihar’s songs and customs were preserved for future generations. Her achievements earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018—India’s third-highest civilian honor, recognizing her lifelong contributions to music and her role in promoting regional culture on a national and international stage. Sharda Sinha is survived by her son, Anshuman, and daughter, Vandana, who stood by her side throughout her illness and ensured she received the best care. Her passing has left an immense void in the world of Indian music, particularly in the realm of folk traditions, where her voice has been an irreplaceable bridge between the past and the present. While the loss of such a monumental talent has left her admirers and the music community in mourning, Sinha’s legacy lives on through her songs that continue to echo in households and hearts across India. Her voice, filled with sweetness, devotion, and cultural richness, will remain etched in the nation’s collective memory, ensuring that her contribution to Indian music and cultural heritage will be cherished for generations to come.