Odisha CM Mourns the Demise of Singer Shantilata Chhotray, to be cremated with full state honour

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed profound sorrow over the passing of renowned Odia bhajan singer Shantilata Barik Chhotray, who breathed her last at the age of 63 while undergoing treatment for cancer at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.

In a heartfelt statement, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik extended his condolences to the bereaved family of Shantilata Barik Chhotray, emphasizing that her legacy will endure through her timeless devotional bhajans. Patnaik also announced that Shantilata will be accorded full state honors at her cremation.

Describing Shantilata Barik as an ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath, the Chief Minister hailed her soul-stirring renditions of Jagannath bhajans, which had earned her widespread acclaim and reverence across Odisha. He lauded her ability to infuse her bhajans with profound devotion and surrender to Lord Jagannath, noting that her voice had the remarkable power to evoke a deeply spiritual atmosphere.