Navgeetika Lok Rasdhar Organizes Cultural Tribute to Bhikhari Thakur on His Birthday in Patna

Patna: Cultural organization Navgeetika Lok Rasdhar organized a special event in Patna to honor the legendary Bhojpuri playwright, poet, and social reformer Bhikhari Thakur on his birthday. The event was held at Navgeetika Lok Rasdhar’s office on Bailey Road, where renowned Bihari folk singer Nitu Kumari Navgeet, Professor Dr. Hina Rani of JD Women’s College, and acclaimed musician Arjun Chaudhary garlanded a portrait of Thakur, often called the “Shakespeare of Bhojpuri.” Following the ceremonial tribute, Bhikhari Thakur was honored through musical renditions of his works. Nitu Navgeet performed several iconic songs, including “Piyawa Gaile Kalkatwa He Sajni”, a Jatsari genre song, “Dagariya Johat Na Ho, Beetat Baate Aath Pahariya”, the lament of Pyari Sundari from the play Bidesiya, and “Chalni Ke Chalal Dulha”, a song highlighting mismatched marriages. During the program, Nitu Kumari Navgeet said, “Bhikhari Thakur is an ideal for all of us.

He is the greatest example of how a folk artist can bring about social change. His works ushered in a new era, promoting women’s empowerment, education, and social harmony. His legacy continues to inspire people today, and his songs still resonate from rural Bihar to international audiences.” Dr. Hina Rani added, “Bhikhari Thakur, born in Kutubpur village of Saran district, Bihar, was not only a great poet and playwright but also a social reformer.

Through his works, he sought to eradicate social evils such as women’s oppression, alcoholism, and caste-based discrimination.” Bhikhari Thakur’s major works include Bidesiya, Beti Bechwa, Bhai Virodh, Piya Nisail, Geber Ghichor, and Ganga Snan, which brought Bhojpuri language and culture international recognition. He was awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions. The tribute was attended by cultural activists Avinash Kumar Jha, Bablu Kumar, Pawan Saurabh, Nigam Kumar, Sanskriti Pal, Soni Khatun, Khushi Mishra, Nandini Singh, Tulsi Soni, Roshni Kumari, Anu Kumari, and Riya. Musical accompaniment included Arjun Chaudhary on tabla, Ashok Kumar on banjo, Sanjay Mishra on keyboard, and Prince on drums.