Sad Demise of Khagen Mahanta: Exponent of Assamese folk music

Khagen Mahanta no more, To day he left for heavenly abode at around 03: 40 PM IST at his residence in Guwahati, Assam. He left behind his singer wife Archana Mahanta, most popular singer son Angaraag Mahanta(popularly known as Pappon), daughter Kinkini Mahanta & grand son & grand daughter along with host of his music lovers & followers world over. Khagen Mahanta (Assamese: খগেন মহন্ত) was an exponent in folk and traditional music of Assam. He was a notable person in Assamese folk music and known as the "King of Bihu". His Bihu songs, Borgeet and other folk songs are ever green to the assamese society. The artist along with his wife Archana Mahanta and son Angaraag Mahanta had represented one of the most influential families in Assamese music.

Khagen Mahanta was born to Harendra Nath Mahanta and Laxmipriya Deviin in Nagaon, Assam . He showed his musical talent from his childhood. At the age of fifteen he started performing in the music concerts in Shillong. His voice was very much accepted by the audience. In 1958, he gained attention from Delhi doordarshan (television) center which was established the very year and got the opportunity to perform During the "language movement" in 1960, Khagen Mahanta got actively involved in it under the leadership of personalities like Bishnuprasad Rabha, Hemanga Biswas, Jugal Das.In 1961 his first gramophone recorded song was broadcast from Guwahati All India radio center. He also participated in the "World Peace" festival in Calcutta.

Khagen Mahanta has been felicitated numerous times nationally, internationally for his contributions. He was also awarded Sangeet Natak Academy award for folk and traditional music in 1992