Archana Mahanta passes away in Guwahati Health City hospital

GUWAHATI: The last rites of noted Assamese folk singer Archana Mahanta were performed with State honours at the Nabagraha cremation ground here on Thursday. Archana Mahanta passed away at around 11:30 am in a city nursing home, where she was admitted to after she had suffered a brain stroke on July 14. She was 72 years of age.

She was honoured the 'Silpi Bota' from the Assam government.

Late Mahanta leaves behind a host of relatives including her son, daughter, grand children, and friends. Her son — noted singer Angarag 'Papon' Mahanta — performed the last rites.

Her demise has left an irreparable void in the Assamese music industry. Archana Mahanta and her late husband Khagen Mahanta had enormous contribution in popularising and preserving Assamsese folk music in India and abroad. There are many evergreen songs to the credit of the popular singer couple.

Late Archana Mahanta was known for her melodious Bihu, folk, and modern songs. She formed a successful pairing with her late husband Bihu Samrat Khagen Mahanta.

She was born at Ulubari in Guwahati, and was registered as an artiste in All India Radio (AIR), Guwahati, in 1966. She has rendered her melodious voice in 13 Axomiya feature films.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the incident. Shah took to Twitter and extended his condolences to the bereaved family in Assamese. He shared, which translates to "Renowned singer Archana Mahanta's demise has saddened me. She was an iconic artiste of Assam's Lok Sangeet. Her voice will keep enthralling the audience all over the world. At this hour of grief, I extend my condolence to Archana Mahanta's family and supporters. Om Shanti."

In a condolence message, Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi said, "I am deeply saddened to hear the demise of the noted singer Archana Mahanta. She was an asset and her death is an irreparable loss for the society". She has contributed immensely to the enrichment of cultural life of the State. Prof. Mukhi said that although the artiste has left for her heavenly sojourn, she will continue to be an inspiration to the present and future generations of the State. The Governor also prayed to the Almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul. "I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray to God to be with the family members in this testing time. May her soul rest in peace", the Governor added.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has mourned the death of the music icon. In a tweet, Sonowal said, "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."

The State Council of Ministers observed two-minute silence mourning and praying for the eternal peace of Archana Mahanta at the Cabinet meeting held here on Thursday.

Meanwhile, State Cultural Affairs Minister Naba Kumar Doley, BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass, AGP president Atul Bora, AICC president Ripun Bora, as well as representatives of several youth and socio-cultural organizations including the AASU, the AJYCP, and the SAKP offered their last respects to the departed soul.

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