Zubeen Jyoti: Silchar Lights Up in Memory of Zubeen Garg

One year after Zubeen Garg’s passing, his voice continues to echo across Assam and the Northeast. On September 19, Silchar joined the state in remembering the legendary singer, composer and musician through music, light and collective tributes.

At Assam University, Silchar, students and members of the university community gathered for “Zubeen Jyoti – A Tribute in Light”, organised by AUS NXT. Hundreds of earthen lamps illuminated the campus gate as people came together to honour Zubeen’s enduring musical and cultural legacy.

Silchar Polytechnic also held a special tribute programme. Visuals shared with Barak Bulletin showed people standing together and singing Mayabini, while a student performed other popular songs of Zubeen Garg. A diya was lit beside his photograph, with people also offering dhup and candles in his memory.

The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), Silchar branch, observed a separate remembrance programme where members raised slogans of “Joi Zubeen Da” and paid tribute through his popular Assamese songs, including Maya and Mayabini.

Zubeen’s connection with the Barak Valley was also personal. Born in Tura, Meghalaya, he spent part of his childhood in Karimganj (now Sribhumi), during his father’s government postings. His early years across different parts of Assam exposed him to diverse languages and cultures.

From Anamika to Ya Ali and countless Assamese songs, Zubeen’s music travelled across languages, regions and generations. He sang in Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, Bodo, Mising, Dimasa and other languages, reaching audiences far beyond Assam. He was also among the many artistes who participated in Namami Barak, lending his voice to the song created for the festival and strengthening his connection with the Barak Valley.

A year after his passing, Silchar’s tributes showed that although Zubeen Garg’s voice has fallen silent, his music continues to live wherever his songs are sung. From Assam University and Silchar Polytechnic to AASU’s remembrance programme, people chose songs, diyas and memories to honour him. His music continues to connect people across the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys, reminding generations of a voice that belonged to Assam’s cultural landscape.