Legendary folk singer Sharda Sinha, fondly known as ‘Bihar Kokila’ (Bihar’s Nightingale), passed away on Tuesday night at 9:20 pm. Renowned for her heartfelt renditions of folk and Chhath Puja songs, she will be given a final farewell with state honors. Awarded the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for her immense contributions to Indian music, her voice continues to resonate with millions.

Sinha had been admitted to AIIMS hospital, and her condition worsened on Tuesday morning, leading to her being placed on a ventilator. Later that evening, her son Anshuman confirmed her passing. In a touching Instagram post, Anshuman wrote, “Your prayers and love will always be with my mother. Chhathi Maiya has called her to her side, and she is no longer with us physically.”

Speaking to ANI, Anshuman expressed his sorrow, saying, “This is a heartbreaking time for us. Her presence and songs touched everyone. She left us on the first day of Chhath Puja, a festival she cherished. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.”

Anshuman also confirmed that Sinha’s final rites would take place at the same location where her father’s rites were performed, with her mortal remains being brought to Patna. Politician Manoj Tiwari verified the arrangements, stating that Sinha’s remains would be flown to Patna by an Indigo flight on Tuesday morning, with the last rites set to take place on November 7 with full state honors. Her body will be kept in Patna for public viewing before the final rites.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other leaders, including Giriraj Singh, Rajnath Singh, Chirag Paswan, and Jitan Ram Manjhi, expressed their condolences on social media, honoring Sinha’s invaluable contribution to Indian music.