A resident checks out Chhath albums at a shop in New Market. Picture by Ashok Sinha

New singers are giving their more famous predecessors such as Sharda Sinha and Anuradha Paudwal a run for their money this Chhath.

While there is still a considerable demand for folk classics such as Ho Dinanath and Kelwa ke path par ugalan suraj, there is a perceptible change in the tastes of music lovers. Revellers are now demanding Chhath-special albums of new artistes like Khesari Lal, Rakesh Mishra, Annu Dubey and Gunjan Singh.

The new singers have made a space for themselves in the hearts of the revellers and the shelves of music shops. Confirming the trend, Munna Kumar, the owner of a music shop in the Station Road area, says: “It is not possible to dislodge famous folk singers like Sharda Sinha and Anuradha Paudwal from the hearts of their fans. But people want to listen to new singers as well.”

Traditional Chhath songs have their roots in the culture, history, mythology and the social fabric of Bihar. New ones — that have recently captured the imagination of music lovers — borrow trends from popular Bollywood music.

Pinku Yadav, another shop owner in the Station Road area, says: “Shardaji’s songs do not have Bollywood tunes or lyrics. But modern songs are full of that. Contemporary electronic beats and voice modulations are also incorporated in these songs.”

He added: “Earlier Sharda — also known as ‘Bihar Kokila’ — was the only singer people used to listen to. But over the past few years, new singers, too, have been able to taste success with their albums.”

Some of the popular new numbers include Bahangi lachakat jaaye, Roje roje ugelaa, Suna Chhathi Maai, Jode jode supawa and Patna ke ghat par.

Punaichak resident Bikku Kumar, who is a connoisseur of Chhath songs, has purchased two albums of Rakesh Mishra this year. He says he loves to listen to the new singer.

“The lyrics of Patna ke ghat bada sundar lage are my favourite. I love the songs from the album Ye saiya Chhath mein aaja,” said Bikku.

Besides folk songs, some popular singers such as Devi, Kalpana, Indu Sonali and Arvind Akela Kallu, have also come out with albums of remixed Bollywood numbers. They are making inroads into the market easily as the prices of their albums range between Rs 35 and Rs 45, while the albums of established singers are priced higher (Rs 45-55).

Those who have been observing Chhath for many years are also touched by the zeitgeist in the world of festival music. Boring Road resident Dilip Kumar, who has been performing the Chhath rituals for the past 12 years, says: “One has to accept new trends. While we love the traditional songs, the new singers have also captured our hearts.”