Guwahati: Melody Queen Archana Mahanta cremated with state honours

Guwahati: The last rites of noted folk singer Archana Mahanta were performed earlier in the afternoon today with full state honours at the Nabagraha crematorium in Assam's Guwahati city.

The last rites of Mahanta were performed by her son, the beloved Assam crooner Angaraag 'Papon' Mahanta, who bid adieu to his mother with a heavy heart, six years after the demise of his father, the legendary singer Khagen Mahanta.

Many noted artists of the state visited the crematorium to pay their last respects to the departed singer. "We all have to leave when our time comes. Our main responsibility now is to ensure that she now lives on among us through her music", said singer Zubeen Garg, who had reached the crematorium to pay his last respects.

The who's who of Assam have mourned the demise of the acclaimed folk singer whose live performances with husband Khagen Mahanta had become one of the staples of the yearly Bihu functions.

"Anguished at the demise of renowned Assamese folk singer Archana Mahanta baidew. Today, we have lost a shining star among the cultural stalwarts of the state. I offer my deepest condolences and join all her well-wishers and fans in prayers for the departed soul", Assam's Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted.

Signalling respect for the venerated departed soul, the Assam Council of Ministers (CoM) led by the Chief Minister today observed two minutes silence praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul of noted Assamese singer Archana Mahanta. The CoM also extended its condolences to the bereaved family and the countless followers of the singer who had made a special name for herself as one of the standout folk artists from the state.

The mortal remains of the 72-year-old Mahanta were first taken to the singer's residence at Ambikagiri where her near and dear ones reached to pay their last tributes.

Mahanta, who had suffered a brain stroke in July in the midst of the coronavirus-induced lockdown, was in a 'critical condition' for more than a month in a Guwahati hospital, and she finally breathed her last on August 27 after a long and arduous battle for her life.

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