Shantikumari Shahi's singing journey: From Deuda to Bhajan

 

Kathmandu. Singer Shantikumari Shahi, who started singing in the voice of a simple Deuda since her school days, has become an established name in the folk music field today. Born in Kalikot, Karnali Province, and currently living in Baitadi, Far West, she is involved in social service along with preserving originality and culture.

Shahi, who formally entered the singing field in 2074 BS, initially practiced by imitating some popular songs. Then, she started singing in her own unique voice and singing songs that encompassed the deep culture of the Far West.

This quickly began to attract the attention of the audience. Shantikumari has lent her voice to songs like ‘Laali Powder Ghaser’, ‘Gayo Jovan Maitai Baser’, ‘Karnalika Chhalaichhal’, ‘Bhote Baigo Mugu’, ‘Kohi Humlaki Kohi Jumlaki’, ‘Kohi Mathi Muguki’. Her voice has given a new height to the songs of the Far West and Karnali. These songs are not just entertainment but also carry stories of people's lives, struggles and geography.

Shantikumari has recently made her presence felt in the field of devotion through a bhajan called 'Haribhajan'. This song, which combines folk sentiment with the sweetness of the bhajan, has been liked by the audience. Singer Shantikumari says that she is dedicated to the campaign to save and promote the local dialects of the Far West through music. 'Our native dialects are disappearing. I am trying to revive them through music,' she says, 'I aim to reflect my geography and culture in every performance and word.'

Singer Shantikumari has also been active in social service in recent years. She recently performed at the Shree Pashupati Manokamana Purti and Sankat Mochan Birat Gyan Mahayagya organized in Kathmandu, taking a lifetime membership of the Manav Seva Foundation. At the event, she not only entertained the devotees through her Deuda songs, but also supported the organization.

Shantikumari has received several national honors and best singer awards for her musical contributions. She has received awards in categories such as contribution to folk music preservation, promotion of original languages, and musical social service.

Shantikumari's future dream is to tell the stories of the Himalayas through music with Deuda. Since she was born in Kalikot and works in Baitadi, she is preparing to bring out new songs incorporating the local languages of both places.