Persons We are Proud of: BHIKARI BAL

Bhajan Samrat Bhikari Bal

BHIKARI BAL (May 25, 1929 - November 2, 2010): Bhikari Bal was born in village Sobala, Kendrapara District Bhajan Samrat has enriched the Oriya culture to great extent with his contributions. Known for his melodious voice Bhikari Bal became a household name, not only in Orissa but also across the country. This renowned singer passed away in November 2, 2010, but his memories remain. His lucid and moving renditions of bhajans written by old generation poets such as Gopalkrushna, Dinakrushna, Baldev, Banamali and Salabega are still popular today. Bhikari Bal started singing from 1963, but his popularity grew with ‘Kotha bhoga khia…’ and other such devotional songs in the early ’70s. Surely there will never be another Bhajan Samrat like him. His bhajans on Jagannath and recitals on Gita Govinda made him a household name in Orissa. He had also sung Champu, Chhanda, Folk songs and Oriya film songs. He was awarded the title of Bhajan Samrat by the Puri Gajapati. Additionally, he was also awarded as Srichamu Surasevaka, Bhajan Maudamani, Bhakta Kantha upadhi, Odisha Sangita Natak Academy Award, Kabichandra Puraskar and was given special privileges inside the temple for his devotional tribute to Lord Jagannath.