Farewell to Bihar’s Nightingale: Sharda Sinha’s Legacy Lives On Through the Spirit of Chhath Puja–Dzire News

Farewell to Bihar’s Nightingale: Sharda Sinha’s Legacy Lives On Through the Spirit of Chhath Puja–Dzire News

Dzire News New Delhi–Sharda Sinha, known as the “Bihar Kokila” (Nightingale of Bihar), was a beloved folk singer who became a symbol of Bihar’s culture and music. She passed away on Tuesday evening at AIIMS Delhi, leaving a deep emptiness in Indian folk music. Sinha’s voice has been an essential part of the Chhath Puja festival, and her songs are still loved in every corner of Bihar. Her passing has saddened her family, fans, and leaders across India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi among those expressing their sorrow.
Sharda Sinha was born in 1952 in Bihar. She developed an early love for folk music, growing up surrounded by the rich traditions of Bhojpuri and Maithili music. Her humble roots inspired her to celebrate her cultural heritage through song. She began her career in the 1970s, bringing a refreshing authenticity to Indian folk music. With her distinct voice, she connected with audiences, making her music popular beyond her home state.

Sharda Sinha’s soulful performances of folk songs soon made her a cultural icon in Bihar. Her deep, melodic voice earned her the affectionate title of “Bihar Kokila.” She focused on Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi folk music, which celebrated Bihar’s traditions and festivals. Her songs for Chhath Puja, an important festival in Bihar, became especially famous, bringing joy to millions of devotees. Sinha’s music is still an essential part of Chhath Puja, with families playing her songs every year to honor the festival.
Her songs were not only popular in Bihar but also gained national and international attention. She represented India’s folk traditions on global platforms, becoming a cultural ambassador of Bihar’s musical heritage. Her achievements brought great pride to her family and state.
In 2018, Sharda Sinha was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Despite the challenges of her illness, she continued to show courage and determination. However, her health worsened earlier this week. On Monday, she was hospitalized in a critical state after suffering from refractory shock due to a severe infection known as septicaemia. She passed away at 9:20 pm on Tuesday, 5th November, on the first day of Chhath Puja, which held a special place in her heart.
Sharda Sinha’s son, Anshuman Sinha, spoke about the family’s decision to honor her wishes for her final rites. He shared that her last rites would be held in Patna, in the same place where her husband’s last rites were performed. This decision reflects the family’s strong roots in Bihar and their commitment to honoring her life’s journey. The entire Sinha family is regretting her loss, with Anshuman expressing that his mother had a fascinating “aura” and that her personality had touched countless lives.
Leaders from across the political spectrum also paid tribute to Sinha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi sent condolences. PM Modi praised Sinha’s lifelong dedication to folk music, describing her voice as one that would “echo forever.” He also noted that her passing was an “irreparable loss” to India’s music community.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, who is also from Bihar, expressed deep sorrow. He remembered her for her remarkable impact on folk music and revealed that she had once planned to visit his home, a wish now left unfulfilled. The Bihar government was informed of the family’s plans, and her last rites are expected to be conducted with full honors.

Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, paid his respects to her, showing great sorrow for her loss. He visited Rajendra Nagar in Patna to offer his tribute. Many people gathered there to remember the singer, whose songs will always be loved. Sharda Sinha’s contribution to Indian folk music, especially during festive times, has left a lasting legacy in the hearts of millions.
Sharda Sinha’s music reached millions, preserving the traditions of Bhojpuri and Maithili music in India and abroad. Her Chhath songs, especially, have become timeless pieces, played by generations during the festival. Her songs added warmth to the celebrations, with her voice capturing the spirit of devotion and joy.
Throughout her career, Sinha received several awards for her contribution to folk music, including the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. She remained humble, attributing her success to her culture and her love for the people of Bihar. Her work has inspired younger generations of singers to embrace folk music, and she is credited with bringing Bhojpuri and Maithili music to a national audience.
As Sharda Sinha’s body arrived at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport early on Wednesday, there was a sense of deep respect for the singer who had touched so many lives. Her mortal remains will be taken to Patna for her final rites, where her legacy will be celebrated one last time in her homeland.
Anshuman, her son, shared touching memories of his mother. He described the family’s grief as huge and recalled how she had been close to everyone in their lives. For Anshuman and her fans, her passing is especially painful because it coincided with Chhath Puja, a festival so closely associated with her music and legacy. He expressed that while they have lost her physically, her memory will live on through her songs, which are a part of Bihar’s culture.
Sharda Sinha’s contributions to Indian folk music go beyond entertainment. She inspired pride in Bhojpuri and Maithili traditions, and her voice became the soundtrack to countless celebrations and festivals. Her songs often told stories of daily life, nature, and spirituality, sounding with people from all walks of life. Her deep love for her culture and her dedication to her music made her a respected figure, and she is remembered as a true artist who never hesitated in her commitment to her roots.
Sharda Sinha’s death marks the end of an era in Indian folk music. At 72, she leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. Her voice was more than music; it was a connection to the traditions, beliefs, and emotions of Bihar. Her passing has left a emptiness that is impossible to fill, and the cultural impact of her work will be felt for many years to come.
As Bihar celebrates Chhath Puja, Sinha’s songs will echo through homes and gatherings, reminding everyone of the artist who dedicated her life to preserving the spirit of her culture. Sharda Sinha will forever remain the beloved “Bihar Kokila” in the hearts of those who loved her music. Her story is a reminder of the power of art and culture to unite people, leaving an memorable mark on our hearts.

Sanjeev Sharma
Editor In Chief
Alisha Shahid
Asstt. Sub Editor