Classical singer Girija Devi passed away on Tuesday in Kolkata at the age of 88. She died of a cardiac arrest said, family. Devi was taken to the BM Birla Heart Research Centre with cardiovascular ailments and was put on life support.
“Girija Devi’s condition was quite critical when she was brought to the hospital. She was admitted to the CCU and was under constant watch. But she passed away at around 8.45 pm,” PTI quoted a hospital spokesperson as saying.
Born into a traditional Hindu family in a village in Northern India, Devi moved to Banaras when she was two years old. The city became an essential part of her life and music. She was accorded many prominent awards.
On the river Ganga, Banaras is the oldest living city in the world. The city has religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains and music have flourished here for centuries. During the 15th century, the famous Sufi poet Kabir lived and wrote poetry on the banks of the river.
Devi loved singing other classical forms such as Dadra, Holi, Chaiti, and Jhoola. The lyrics and styles of these kinds are unique to Banaras.
