Pokhila Lekthepi

Pokhila Lekthepi is an Indian singer from Assam. She has been involved in Karbi music for more than four decades. She has sung more than 300 songs to date. In 2011, Hills Idol awarded her the title of Queen of Melody for her contribution to Karbi music. In 2009, she was awarded the Swabha Shilpi Amulya Kakati Memorial Award by the All Guwahati Students Union. In 2018, she was awarded the Luit Gaurav award by the Guwahati Refinery for the first time. She was awarded the Shilpi Award and Shilpi Pension by the Government of Assam on 17 January 2023 in recognition of her contribution to the field of Karbi music. In 2024, she was awarded the Assam Gaurav Award, the third highest civilian honor in Assam.

She was awarded with the Padma Shri by Government of India in 2026, the fourth highest civilian award of India, in Art category.

Early life Pokhila Lekethepi was born in Dupar Timung village near Dakmoka main market in Karbi Anglong district. She was born in 1962, according to educational documents. However, she stated that she was born around 1952 as she enrolled in school too late. Her father was Mukhim Lekthe and her mother was Basday Timupi. The parents of Pokhila were also interested in singing. On 17 January 2023, the Government of Assam awarded her the Shilpi Award and Shilpi Pension in recognition of her contribution to Karbi music In 2024, the Government of Assam awarded her the Assam Gaurav Award, the third highest civilian honor in Assam for the year.

She was awarded with the Padma Shri by Government of India in 2026, the fourth highest civilian award of India, in Art category.