Background
Khagen Mahanta was born to Harendra Nath Mahanta and Laxmipriya Deviin in Nagaon, Assam.
Khagen Mahanta was born to Harendra Nath Mahanta and Laxmipriya Deviin in Nagaon, Assam.
Khagen Mahanta was a notable person in Assamese folk music and known as the "King of Bihu". His Bihu songs, Borgeet and other folk songs remain popular in Assam. He died on 12 June 2014.
He showed his musical talent from his childhood.
At the age of fifteen he started performing in concerts in Shillong, where he was well received. In 1958, he gained attention from Delhi Doordarshan (television) Center, which had just been established, and was given the opportunity to perform.
His program was a great success. During the "language movement" in 1960, Khagen Mahanta got actively involved in it under the leadership of personalities like Bishnuprasad Rabha, Hemanga Biswas, and 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. He was recognized as A grade artist in All India Radio and contributed in almost all genres of Assamese music like Lokageet, Okoni Geet, musicals, and dramas. Khagen Mahanta died a sudden death at his own residence in Guwahati on the afternoon of 12 June 2014.
The end came at 3:40 pm, sending shockwaves across the state.
State government declared a half holiday across the state on 13 June 2014.
He was a member of the group "Harmony" and promoted human values with his melodious voice and compositions.