Chhath Puja Without Sharda Sinha: Maithili Thakur’s Tribute

The spirit of Chhath Puja will undoubtedly feel different this year with the absence of the legendary Sharda Sinha. On her arrival in Patna, singer Maithili Thakur paid a poignant tribute, acknowledging the profound void left by Sinha’s passing. ‘Not just me, the entire nation will miss her,’ Thakur remarked, underscoring Sinha’s unparalleled ability to capture the essence of Chhath through her music. Sharda Sinha, who passed away on November 5, 2024, after a prolonged illness, was celebrated for her significant contributions to Maithili and Bhojpuri folk music. Her evocative renditions of Chhath songs had become synonymous with the grand festival, celebrating the Sun God. Awarded the Padma Bhushan, Sinha’s influence transcended regional music. Her demise was a significant loss to India’s cultural landscape. Meanwhile, Maithili Thakur’s presence in Patna is also linked to her recent political developments, as she has officially joined the BJP and is rumored to be a contender in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.