Rairangpur: Odisha’s eminent Jhumar singer Sudhanshu Bal passed away at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. He was 52.
Family sources said that Bal was hospitalised eight days ago after he tested positive for COVID-19. He breathed his last at 10.20 am.
A native of Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district, Bal had a major contribution in popularising Jhumar songs.
He is survived by his wife and 8-year-old daughter.
The word ‘jhumar’ comes from jhum/jhoom, which means swaying. So these songs evoke a sense of swaying.
Though the content of the songs is varied, they are usually emotional songs of love which are usually performed at wedding ceremonies. It is a living demonstration of happiness.
The dance is performed in a circle, to the tune of the song.
