Jalpaiguri, 29th May: Padma Shri awardee folk artist and renowned ‘Sarinda’ player Mangala Kanti Roy passed away at the age of 104, casting a shadow of grief across the cultural world of North Bengal.
Mangala Kanti Roy was a resident of Dhawalaguri village in Maynaguri of Jalpaiguri district and was widely regarded as one of the most prominent faces of North Bengal’s folk culture. For more than eight decades, he mesmerised audiences through his mastery of the ‘Sarinda’, a traditional folk instrument.
His artistry was not confined to North Bengal alone, as he participated in folk music and cultural programmes across different parts of the country. He was especially known for his rare ability to recreate bird calls and various natural sounds through the Sarinda.
In recognition of his immense contribution to folk culture, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2023. His name was announced on the eve of Republic Day, and he later received the honour from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
According to family members, he had been suffering from several age-related ailments for the past month and was admitted to the super speciality department of Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital for treatment. After showing signs of improvement, he had returned home.
Mangala Kanti Roy breathed his last at his residence late on Thursday night. His death is being regarded as an irreparable loss to the folk culture of North Bengal.