Bhubaneswar, April 2: Amidst the resonating chants of Vedic hymns, the mortal remains of renowned Odia bhajan singer Shantilata Barik Chhotray were ceremonially cremated with full state honors in a public funeral held at Swargadwar in Puri on Tuesday.

Shantilata, who was battling cancer, breathed her last while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Monday. She was 63 years old.

Following her discharge from the hospital, her body was taken to her residence. The legendary singer's home near Bindu Sagar in Bhubaneswar served as the venue for her admirers to pay their final respects.

Family members and disciples sang devotional hymns as they bid farewell to the revered bhajan artist while her body was transported to Swargadwar in Puri. Reports indicate that Shantilata had been battling cancer since 2011, demonstrating immense resilience throughout her prolonged struggle.

Born on October 1, 1960, in Khurda, the esteemed singer was a product of Odisha Sangeeta Mahavidyalaya. She refined her vocal talents under the guidance of esteemed mentors such as Guru Balakrushna Das, Markendeya Mohapatra, Singhari Shyamsundar Kar, and Gopal Panda.

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