‘Janakabi Keshari’ Dharmaraj Thapa, passed away at the age of 92 on Tuesday. The poet, who was ill for long and was fighting hard for his health, gave away his last breathe at his residence in Swyambhu. His body was kept at Nepal Academy for final homage and respect.

Born in Batulechaur, Pokhara Thapa has sung many a hits spanning several decades. His evergreen hits include ‘Hariyo Dada Mathi, Halo jotne Sathi’, ‘Hamro tenjing Sherpa le Chadya Himala’, ‘Prajatantra ko Kafal’ among others.

A person with a craft of making legendary songs from rural sayings and proverbs, Thapa was a multidimensional personality who took part in many revolutionary events including the uprising of Dr. K.I. Singh.

Bestowed with the title ‘Janakabi Kesari’ by King Mahendra in 2013 B.S. Thapa is credited with making Sarangi (a Nepali musical instrument) famous worldwide.