As Chhath Puja approaches, a sense of melancholy hangs over the festivities with the absence of the beloved folk singer Sharda Sinha. Young talent Maithili Thakur, speaking in Patna, articulated this sentiment, stating that ‘the nation will miss her’ immensely. Sinha, often referred to as the ‘Bihar Kokila,’ was a towering figure in folk music, renowned for her emotive Chhath songs that resonated deeply with millions. Her passing on November 5, 2024, following a battle with blood cancer, marks the end of an era for Indian folk traditions. Thakur highlighted how Sinha’s voice uniquely connected the country to the spirit of Chhath. Sharda Sinha, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan and National Film Award, began her illustrious career in the 1970s, leaving behind a rich musical heritage. In related news, Maithili Thakur’s arrival in Patna coincides with her formal entry into politics, having joined the BJP, with sources indicating a possible assembly election candidacy.
