Folk singer Maithili Thakur, upon her arrival in Patna, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late folk legend Sharda Sinha. Thakur expressed that the upcoming Chhath Puja festivities will be notably different without Sinha’s iconic voice. ‘The entire nation will miss her,’ Thakur stated, emphasizing Sinha’s profound connection with the festival and the emotions it evokes. Sharda Sinha, a Padma Bhushan awardee, was celebrated for her significant contributions to Bhojpuri and Maithili folk music, and her passing on November 5, 2024, after a battle with multiple myeloma, has left a void in the Indian music landscape. Her soulful renditions of Chhath songs were deeply cherished, making her an integral part of the festival’s cultural fabric. Sinha’s legacy extends beyond regional boundaries, having influenced folk traditions nationwide. Meanwhile, Maithili Thakur’s presence in Patna has also fueled discussions about her potential political aspirations, with reports suggesting she has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and might contest in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.
