Odisha’s Barnali Hota Shines as Second Runner-Up in India’s First Folk Music Reality Show, Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash

Bhubaneswar, 26/08: Odisha’s pride, Barnali Hota, has emerged as the second runner-up in Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash, India’s first folk music reality show, which aired on Doordarshan. Returning to her hometown of Bhubaneswar after the grand finale, Barnali has brought home both applause and admiration for her incredible journey in the competition. 

Barnali’s musical journey in Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash was marked by her unique renditions of Odisha’s rich and soulful folk songs. In the final round, she captivated the audience by performing the Odia bhajan "Koth Bhog Khia," originally sung by the late Bhikari Bal. The haunting melody of "Koth Bhog Khia Mo Chaka aakhia" echoed through the grand stage as Barnali began her performance, paying homage to the traditional Odia culture. 

This prestigious folk music competition began in February this year and saw contestants from across the nation competing to showcase the beauty of India’s folk traditions. It was a national platform where Barnali represented Odisha’s vibrant and deeply rooted cultural heritage with pride. Although Barnali narrowly missed winning the title, she proudly secured the position of second runner-up in the competition. Rajasthan’s Anita Dangi was declared the winner, while Maharashtra’s Siddhesh Yadav took the first runner-up position. 

Barnali’s Journey on Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash 

Barnali started her journey on Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash by singing the devotional song "Neeladrau Shankhamadhye Shatadal Kamale," invoking the blessings of Lord Jagannath. Throughout the competition, she chose to highlight the classical and folk heritage of Odisha through her performances. Each song she sang brought with it a story, a memory, and a sense of pride for the Odia people. 

One of the standout moments in her journey was her rendition of "Utha Kankala Chhidu Shrunkhala," a powerful Odia folk song. This song gained her immense popularity on social media, with many people praising her soulful voice and deep connection to the music. 

Other performances that won the hearts of millions included "Fura Kina Udigala Bani," "Bajare Bajabala," and "Dekh Lo Sangat." With every performance, Barnali won the hearts of the judges and the audience alike. 

The competition saw several distinguished figures as judges, including renowned folk singer Kailash Kher, Debojit Saha, Gayatri Ashokan, and Sneha Khanwalkar. They often lauded Barnali for her dedication to preserving and showcasing Odisha’s traditional music. Kailash Kher, who also mentored the show, particularly praised her for her soulful renditions of folk songs. 

Barnali Expresses Her Gratitude 

After the finale, Barnali expressed her deep gratitude to the people of Odisha for their unwavering support and boundless love throughout her journey. She said, “Representing Odisha’s rich and lively folk traditions on a national platform like Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash has been an unbelievable honor. I have carried our proud culture with me at every step.” 

She also thanked the organizers of the show for providing a platform to showcase India’s diverse folk music traditions. “It’s a blessing to have been a part of this journey, and I am grateful to the entire team of Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash for this unforgettable experience,” she added. 

The Grand Finale and Results 

The grand finale of Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash saw the top five contestants battle it out for the title. Besides Barnali, the finalists included Benita Laishram from Manipur, Sanjana Bhola from Chandigarh, Siddhesh Yadav from Maharashtra, and Anita Dangi from Rajasthan. Each contestant brought their unique style and flavor to the competition, making it a tough decision for the judges. 

Anita Dangi from Rajasthan emerged as the winner of Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash 2024, impressing the judges and viewers with her outstanding performances throughout the show. Siddhesh Yadav from Maharashtra secured the first runner-up position, while Barnali Hota from Odisha took the second runner-up spot. Benita Laishram from Manipur and Sanjana Bhola from Chandigarh held the fourth position in the competition. 

The Significance of Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash 

Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash marked a significant moment in Indian television as it became the first-ever reality show dedicated to folk music. Produced and mentored by Padma Shri Kailash Kher, the show aimed to bring India’s rich folk music traditions into the limelight and give them the recognition they deserve. 

Folk music is the voice of India’s heartland, and it holds within it centuries of history, culture, and tradition. Through this show, the beauty of these songs was brought to a national audience, encouraging young artists like Barnali to keep these traditions alive for future generations. 

Barnali’s Future Plans 

Now back in Bhubaneswar, Barnali plans to continue her journey in music, focusing on promoting Odia folk music on larger platforms. She hopes to inspire more young people from Odisha and beyond to embrace their cultural roots and carry forward the legacy of India’s traditional music. Her success in Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash has not only brought pride to her home state of Odisha but has also strengthened her resolve to keep singing and sharing the beauty of Odia folk songs with the world. 

Conclusion 

Barnali Hota’s achievement in Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash is a testament to her talent and dedication to folk music. As the second runner-up in India’s first folk music reality show, she has made Odisha proud and has won the hearts of music lovers across the country. Her journey is a shining example of how India’s traditional music can continue to thrive when given the platform and recognition it deserves.