Kolkata, 29 May (H.S.): Renowned folk artist and Padma Shri awardee Mangalkanti Roy passed away early Friday morning in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district. He was 104 years old. His death has cast a deep shadow of grief over Bengal’s folk music community.

Mangalkanti Roy had been suffering from age-related ailments and severe throat complications for a long time. He breathed his last at his ancestral residence in Dhaulagiri village under Amguri Panchayat in the Maynaguri block of Jalpaiguri district.

According to family members, he was initially undergoing treatment at the Maynaguri Rural Hospital and was later admitted to the Jalpaiguri Medical College and Hospital. After treatment, he had returned home a few days ago. However, due to worsening throat-related problems, he had almost stopped eating in recent days.

His son, Umakanta Roy, told the media that his father’s condition suddenly deteriorated early Friday morning, leading to his death. He is survived by his wife, three sons and several grandchildren.

Mangalkanti Roy was widely celebrated for popularising the traditional folk instrument “Sarinda” and bringing the folk culture of North Bengal to national prominence. The Sarinda, believed to be nearly 500 years old, is a traditional folk string instrument primarily associated with folk musicians of North Bengal. He is credited with reviving and preserving this fading art form.

In 2017, the West Bengal government honoured him with the “Banga Ratna” award. Later, in 2023, the Government of India conferred upon him the prestigious civilian honour Padma Shri. His name was announced on the eve of India’s 74th Republic Day.

Artists and members of the cultural fraternity believe that with the passing of Mangalkanti Roy, a golden chapter in the history of Bengal’s folk music has come to an end.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey