Renowned Odia Singer Shantilata Barik Chhotray Cremated With Full State Honours

Bhubaneswar: Renowned Odia bhajan singer Shantilata Barik Chhotray was cremated with full state honours at Swargadwar in Puri amidst the solemn chanting of Vedic hymns. The beloved singer, aged 63, succumbed to cancer while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

Following her passing, her mortal remains were brought to her residence near Bindu Sagar in Bhubaneswar, where family, friends, and fans gathered to pay their final respects. The atmosphere was filled with heartfelt bhajans sung by her loved ones and students as her body made its journey to Swargadwar.

Shantilata, born on October 1, 1960, in Khurda, was a revered figure in the Odia music industry. Trained at the Odisha Sangeeta Mahavidyalaya under the guidance of esteemed gurus such as Balakrushna Das, Markendeya Mohapatra, Singhari Shyamsundar Kar, and Gopal Panda, she dedicated her life to mastering the art of bhajan singing.

Diagnosed with cancer in 2011, Shantilata valiantly battled the disease for several years. Despite her health struggles, her passion for music remained undiminished, inspiring countless admirers with her talent and devotion.

Her passing marks a profound loss for the music community and all those who cherished her melodious voice and spiritual depth. Shantilata Barik Chhotray’s legacy will continue to resonate through her timeless contributions to Odia bhajan music.