Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid heartfelt tributes to legendary folk singer Sharda Sinha on her first death anniversary.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “A heartfelt tribute to Bihar’s nightingale, Sharda Sinha ji, on her first death anniversary. She gave a new identity to the art and culture of Bihar through her folk songs, for which she will always be remembered. Her melodious songs associated with the Chhath festival will forever remain etched in the hearts of the people.”
Fondly known as the “Bihar Kokila”, Sharda Sinha was revered across India for her soulful renditions of Bhojpuri, Maithili, Angika, and Bajika folk songs. Her devotional tracks dedicated to the Chhath Mahaparva became an inseparable part of Bihar’s cultural fabric and are still played in households and temples every year during the festival.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also paid tribute to Sinha on X, “On the death anniversary of Smt. Sharda Sinha ji, the Nightingale of Bihar, honoured with Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, we offer our humble tribute to her. The sweet songs sung in her melodious voice during the Chhath Mahaparva continue to resonate even today across Bihar and all parts of the country. Her memory will forever remain cherished in the land of Bihar, the world of music, and among music lovers.”
Sharda Sinha, who passed away on November 5, 2024, at AIIMS Delhi while undergoing treatment for septicaemia. According to her family, her final rites were performed in Patna with full state honours at the same location where her father’s cremation had taken place.
Recognised as one of the greatest voices in Indian folk music, Sharda Sinha’s career spanned decades, during which she recorded over 1,500 songs in multiple regional languages and brought Bihar’s folk traditions to national and global audiences.
For her immense contribution to Indian music, she was honoured with the Padma Shri (1991), Padma Bhushan (2018), and, posthumously, the Padma Vibhushan (2025) – India’s second-highest civilian award.
PM Modi had earlier described her passing as an “irreparable loss to the music world,” praising her for enriching Bhojpuri and Maithili folk traditions and for her songs that continue to resonate with generations.
Her admirers recall her as a cultural pioneer who elevated traditional music from Bihar to international recognition. Though many singers were inspired by her, they say her distinctive voice and contribution to folk heritage remain unmatched.
As the nation remembers Sharda Sinha, her voice continues to echo through her immortal songs – keeping alive the soul of Bihar’s music and the spirit of India’s rich folk traditions.
(With agency inputs)