Manju emerging as Thado Bhaka singer

By Nabin Raj Kuikel

Lamjung, Jan. 23: Lamjung is a land rich in art, tradition, culture, and literature. Many talented creators have come from its soil, including the National Poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire, renowned folk duet singer Raju Pariyar, singer Bima Kumari Dura, and Thado Bhaka maestro Bhedikharke Sahila and among others. 

Following in their footsteps, many people continue to pursue art, literature, and music. Among them, Manju BK has made a name for herself in folk music. 

She can sing folk duets as well as Kaura, Salaijo, and authentic Thado Bhaka, and she is dedicated to preserving these traditional melodies.

Manju was born in Kokaldanda, Gaunshahar, Lamjung. She developed an interest in singing at a very young age, performing at school events, weddings, religious rituals, fairs, festivals, and other celebrations across her district. 

She said, “I started singing at the age of nine, and I have never looked back since.”

After completing her SLC, she moved to Pokhara to pursue a singing career and began performing at dohori gatherings. 

While singing there, she recorded her first song, a patriotic folk duet titled ‘Deshle Malai Ke Diyo,’ with Purushottam Neupane.

 In 2012, she sang the folk duet ‘Chadhyo Jawani,’ and in 2015, she collaborated with Prakash Saput on ‘Mitho Bolile.’

 Her other songs include ‘Bhabishyabani,’  ‘Naurangi Sapana,’ ‘Sasuralilai Chitthi’ and ‘Merai Maya Ramro’, and others. 

Manju has also become known for singing Thado Bhaka. From a young age, she travelled with Thado Bhaka masters Bhedikharke Sahila and Devi Gurung, learning the tunes by listening closely.

 She even performed Thado Bhaka with Sahila, who dedicated his life to preserving this art form. Since his passing, Thado Bhaka has been at risk of fading, but Manju is among the new generation actively working to keep it alive.

Currently, she performs both in Nepal and abroad, taking part in various musical programmes. She said, “Thado Bhaka is harder to sing than other songs. It requires careful attention to melody and word choice, and must be sung using authentic words.”

Manju learned Thado Bhaka from Dhan Bahadur Gurung and Devi Gurung, with additional support from Kashidevi Gurung and Gaumaya Gurung.