Pokhila Lekthepi: The Voice of Karbi Music and Cultural Pride

Pokhila Lekthepi stands as one of the most influential folk and modern music artists to emerge from Northeast India. Born in the scenic village of Dupar Timung in Karbi Anglong district, Assam, she has dedicated her life to preserving, promoting, and innovating Karbi musical traditions. Over her career spanning more than four decades, Lekthepi has become synonymous with the musical soul of the Karbi community, earning her national recognition, including India’s prestigious Padma Shri award in 2026 for her contribution to the arts.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Pokhila Lekthepi’s musical journey began in the heart of Karbi Anglong. She was born in Timung Village, near Dokmoka market, and grew up in an environment deeply influenced by local culture and music. Her parents, Mukhim Lekthe and Basday Timupi, nurtured a home atmosphere where folk songs and performances were cherished. Her father, in particular, played music during village plays, and this exposure ignited Lekthepi’s passion for song at a very young age.

From her earliest school days, she displayed remarkable musical potential. Her primary school encouraged students to participate in weekly song competitions, and Lekthepi consistently impressed her teachers and peers with her melodious voice. Encouraged by her family and mentors, she gradually transitioned from amateur performances to public stages where her talent was recognized more widely.

Rise to Prominence

Lekthepi’s official journey into music took off in 1964 when she participated in the Karbi Youth Festival held in Diphu. Her performances there won critical praise and multiple first prizes, marking the beginning of her ascent as a professional artist. As she continued performing, her skill in connecting with audiences and her evolving artistry led her to compose original works that blended traditional Karbi folk with emerging modern sounds.

Throughout the 1970s, Lekthepi became a dominant presence in Karbi cultural events. She was a repeated winner of the Karbi Kungripi Award, first in 1976 and again in 1978. These accolades provided her with increased visibility within the music community and helped catapult her into broader platforms, including mainstream broadcast radio. After impressing listeners and producers during a performance in Dongkamokam, she was invited to sing on Aakashvani Guwahati’s Karbi branch broadcasts—a significant milestone in her career.

Innovator of Karbi Modern Music

One of Lekthepi’s most enduring contributions to Karbi culture is her role in shaping modern Karbi songs. Before her influence, the Karbi music scene was dominated by traditional folk songs without much experimentation in contemporary styles. Collaborating with lyricist Joysing Rangpi and singer Vidyasingh Rangpi, Lekthepi began composing and recording music that fused folk roots with novel musical elements. Their first cassette, titled Kanghon, marked a turning point in how Karbi music could be produced and appreciated, expanding its reach beyond regional folk circles.

Her innovative spirit helped bring Karbi music into mainstream consciousness. Lekthepi’s repertoire now includes a rich blend of more than 300 songs, some of which—such as Dampo Ne, Aei Mayar Dhorat, Joi joi pen, and Malong Aphuchong—become beloved not only within Assam but among Indian folk music enthusiasts more broadly.

In addition to her solo work, Lekthepi has collaborated with other celebrated singers from Assam, including noted artist Zubeen Garg, bridging regional musical genres and extending her influence even further.

Recognition and Honors

Throughout her long and storied career, Pokhila Lekthepi has received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to music and culture:

  • In 2009, she received the Swabha Shilpi Amulya Kakati Memorial Award from the All Guwahati Students’ Union for her extraordinary talent and dedication.
  • She was conferred the title “Queen of Melody” in 2011 by Hills Idol for her exceptional contributions to Karbi music.
  • In 2018, the Guwahati Refinery honored her with the Luit Gaurav Award.
  • On 17 January 2023, the Government of Assam presented Lekthepi with the Shilpi Award and Shilpi Pension in recognition of her lifetime achievements in music.
  • In 2024, she received the Assam Gaurav Award, one of the highest civilian honors in the state of Assam.
  • Most prominently, the Government of India honored her with the Padma Shri in 2026—the fourth highest civilian award in the country—specifically in the field of arts. This accolade reflects her influence not only within her ethnic community but across the national cultural landscape.

The tapestry of awards she has received mirrors both her artistic excellence and her role as a cultural ambassador for Karbi music. Through her work, Lekthepi has helped ensure that the musical traditions of her community thrive in a contemporary world while honoring their deep historical roots.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Pokhila Lekthepi’s life and career exemplify the power of music as a cultural unifier and preservative force. In a region as diverse as Northeast India, her voice has been a connecting thread—celebrating Karbi identity while engaging with diverse audiences across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Her contributions to both folk and modern music have helped elevate regional art forms to national prominence.

Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians who seek to honor their heritage while pushing creative boundaries. Through her melodious voice and pioneering spirit, Pokhila Lekthepi has not only chronicled the soul of Karbi music but also contributed to the rich diversity of Indian folk and contemporary music.

Leave a Reply