Upon her arrival in Patna, renowned folk singer Maithili Thakur paid a heartfelt tribute to the late folk legend Sharda Sinha. Thakur expressed that the entire nation, and especially those from Bihar living abroad, will deeply miss Sinha’s musical contributions during the upcoming Chhath Puja festivities. Sharda Sinha, celebrated for her soulful voice that connected the country to the essence of Chhath, was a Padma Bhushan recipient and had also garnered a National Film Award.
Affectionately known as the “Bihar Kokila,” Sinha, aged 72, passed away on November 5, 2024, following a battle with multiple myeloma. Her health had declined, leading to her being placed on life support shortly before her passing. Her demise marked a significant loss to Indian folk music, particularly her iconic renditions of Chhath Mahaparv songs, which became inseparable from the festival dedicated to the Sun God. Sinha, who began her illustrious career in the 1970s, played a pivotal role in bridging regional folk traditions with national recognition.
Thakur’s presence in Patna also comes amidst discussions about her potential entry into politics. She formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday and is reportedly considering contesting the upcoming Bihar assembly elections from Alinagar in Darbhanga. Polling for the Bihar Assembly is scheduled for November 6 and 11, with results to be announced on November 14.