Veteran Odisha folk singer Balabhadra Panda passes away

Bhubaneswar: In midst of COVID-19 pandemic, veteran Pala (folk) singer Balabhadra Panda has passed away here.

The Bhagabata Bhushan Gayak Chinmaya Balabhadra Panda breathed his last at residence of his daughter at Gandarpur area on outskirts of Bhubaneswar on Thursday night. He was 75.

The septuagenarian was suffering from age related ailments in a past few days. His last rites will be held at his native place at Surangpali near Pipili of Puri district amid COVID restrictions.

The demise of veteran personality has shattered entire Pala industry, a classical form of ballads.

Bhagabata Bhushan Balabhadra Panda was one of the foremost among the singers who revolutionized the world of Pala in the 21st century. In particular, he introduced spiritual thought, social message and social education in Pala against superstition. Most importantly, Balabhadra Panda was the first who introduced holy Bhagabata to Pala.