New Delhi, November 5, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid heartfelt tributes to the legendary folk singer Sharda Sinha on her first death anniversary. Known fondly as the “Bihar Kokila,” Sinha played a pivotal role in popularising the folk music of Bihar, especially her devotional songs for the Chhath festival, which continue to resonate across the state and the country.

In a post on X, PM Modi 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.”

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also remembered her, tweeting, “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. The sweet songs sung in her melodious voice during the Chhath Mahaparva continue to resonate across Bihar and the country. Her memory will forever remain cherished.”

Sharda Sinha passed away on November 5, 2024, at AIIMS Delhi while undergoing treatment for septicaemia. Her final rites were performed in Patna with full state honours, at the same location where her father’s cremation had taken place.

Throughout her illustrious career, Sinha recorded over 1,500 songs in Bhojpuri, Maithili, Angika, and Bajika. Her music brought Bihar’s folk traditions to a national and international audience. She was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1991, the Padma Bhushan in 2018, and posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2025, India’s second-highest civilian award, recognising her unmatched contribution to Indian folk music.

Her admirers remember her as a cultural pioneer who elevated Bihar’s traditional music to global prominence. Even today, her songs are played in homes and temples, keeping alive the spirit of Bihar’s folk heritage. PM Modi had earlier described her passing as an “irreparable loss to the music world,” praising her for enriching Bhojpuri and Maithili music.

As the nation commemorates her first death anniversary, Sharda Sinha’s voice continues to echo through her timeless songs, celebrating the rich musical culture of Bihar and India. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations of folk artists, ensuring that the soul of Bihar’s music remains immortal.

Remembering Bihar’s Nightingale: Sharda Sinha

Today, the nation remembers the legendary folk singer Sharda Sinha, fondly called the “Bihar Kokila,” on her first death anniversary. Known for her soulful renditions of Bhojpuri, Maithili, Angika, and Bajika folk songs, Sinha’s music brought the spirit of Bihar to the hearts of millions. Her Chhath festival songs became an inseparable part of cultural celebrations across India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to her, saying she gave a new identity to Bihar’s art and culture, and her melodious songs will always remain etched in people’s hearts. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also remembered her, highlighting her contributions and noting that her music continues to inspire generations.

Sharda Sinha passed away on November 5, 2024, at AIIMS Delhi. Over her decades-long career, she recorded more than 1,500 songs, taking the region’s folk traditions to national and global audiences. She was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1991, Padma Bhushan in 2018, and posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2025 for her exceptional contribution to Indian music.

Even in her absence, her voice resonates through homes, temples, and festivals, keeping alive Bihar’s rich musical heritage. Today, fans and fellow musicians remember her not just as a singer, but as a cultural icon whose legacy will remain eternal.