award winners
Pokhila Lekhthepi, assam
Pokhila Lekhthepi, a legendary musician of Karbi music, was awarded the Assam Gaurav Award in 2024 by the Government of Assam. The venerated honour was bestowed upon her at the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the 50th Karbi Youth Festival (KYF). The honour is a mark of her commitment to Karbi music throughout her life, which has defined and refined the cultural heritage of Karbi people. She is also renowned for being crowned Queen of Melody by Hills Idol in 2011.
Born in Dupor Timung village in 1962, adjacent to the Dokmoka Market, Pokhila Lekhthepi has left an indelible and lasting impression on Karbi music. She was the queen of Karbi music for more than four decades, a great and magical voice that still inspires and fascinates listeners. That voice belongs to a personality respected throughout the cultural scene of the region. Pokhila Lekhthepi’s contributions to Karbi music are unparalleled. She has sung over three hundred songs, each of which reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Karbi tribe. Her songs, filled with emotion and authenticity, have significantly influenced the Karbi music scene and inspired generations. Her voice and lyrics are synonymous with the identity of Karbi music, earning her the title of queen of melody and numerous prestigious awards over the years.
Throughout her illustrious career, Pokhila Lekhthepi has received several prestigious accolades. In 2009, she was honoured with the Swabhav Shilpi Amulya Kakati Memorial Award for her song “dampo ne bangso apirthe pen.” In 2011, she was awarded the title of Queen of Melody by Hills Idol. Other recognitions include the Indian Oil Guwahati Refinery Luit Gaurab Award in 2018, and multiple Karbi Kungripi Awards for her contributions to Karbi music.
Pokhila lekhthepi’s legacy is deeply embedded in the Karbi music tradition. Her songs have not only enriched Karbi cultural practices but have also become integral to community celebrations and festivals. Her voice, steeped in the essence of Karbi culture, resonates with the themes of love, tradition, and nature. She remains an inspiration to aspiring artists and a symbol of cultural pride for the Karbi tribe, continuously shaping the future of Karbi music.
