Bhubaneswar: The mortal remains of legendary noted Odia vocalist Santilata Barik Chhotray were consigned to flames with full state honours at Swargadwar in Puri on Tuesday.
She had passed away due to prolonged illness at a city-based hospital on Monday at the age of 63. She was undergoing treatment for a long time after being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2011. Last year, she was put on ventilator support.
After being discharged from the hospital, the body of the singer was taken to her house near Bindu Sagar at Old Town, where people from different walks of life paid tributes to her.
An alumnus of Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Santilata rose to fame for the rendition of ‘Hey Chaka Nayana’ bhajan. Among her other popular devotional songs, particularly dedicated to Lord Jagannath, are ‘Kalia Mo Hrudaya Hara’, ‘Bhajare Mana’, ‘Kala Megha Bhasi Jaare’, ‘Janama Rahichi Marana Ghere’, ‘Mo Prabhu Jagannatha’ and ‘Mana Bhajatu’.
Mourning her death, Governor Raghubar Das said that her contribution to Odia music, particularly Odia bhajans, was unmatched and she will be remembered forever by people of Odisha for this achievement.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik described her as a unique devotee of Lord Jagannath. “Her songs instilled a sense of spirituality and devotion to the supreme Lord,” he said while announcing that the departed singer will be cremated with full state honours.
