Rongali Bihu Celebrations in Assam: A Tribute to Zubeen Garg
A Melancholic Bihu Without Zubeen Garg
File image of Assam's late cultural icon Zubeen Garg (Photo: @parasarudayan/x)
GUWAHATI, April 9: As the vibrant sounds of dhol and pepa resonate across Assam, the festive spirit of Rongali (Bohag) Bihu is tinged with a profound sense of loss this year.
For many, celebrating Bihu without the beloved Zubeen Garg signifies not just a cultural change but an emotional void.
While the stages will be illuminated and crowds will gather, the iconic voice that encapsulated the essence of Bihu for many generations will only be remembered through cherished memories and his timeless music.
In an interview, esteemed singer and music director Manas Robin expressed that Zubeen Garg's absence will be deeply felt during this Rongali Bihu.
“To honor the legendary singer, I have decided to refrain from participating in any stage performances during the initial seven days of Bihu,” he stated.
Describing Zubeen as a brother, Robin also shared plans for a documentary titled Manas-Zubeenor Jatra, which will showcase both their on-stage and off-stage experiences together.
“Zubeen's legacy will endure through his music. We hope this initiative allows his spirit to remain present,” he remarked.
He added, “I wish for audiences to once again experience the youthful voice and range of Zubeen.”
Reflecting on the current atmosphere, Robin noted that the ongoing elections might influence the festive mood.
“Bihu has always been a unifying force, transcending differences, and I hope that spirit prevails this year,” he concluded.
Playback singer Tushar Arjun mentioned that he will perform with a band named Zorg (Zubeen Organic), a revival of Zubeen Garg’s former music group Etcetera.
“This is a small step towards preserving his legacy,” he said, emphasizing the group's goal to extend their performances beyond Assam while also nurturing new talent.
“The core idea remains centered around Zubeen Garg and his contributions,” he added.
Recalling a personal experience, Tushar shared a memory of a performance in Arunachal Pradesh where he sang one of Zubeen’s famous songs. He also reminisced about a moment from a Ganeshguri event last year when Zubeen invited him to join in singing.
“That moment never materialized, and it remains a regret,” he expressed.
Noted music composer Dudul Saikia, a member of Etcetera, stated that reviving the band is about more than just music.
“This endeavor is about keeping Zubeen Garg's spirit alive,” he remarked.
“The band was initially formed around 1990-91 and performed until 1997. Now, under Jayanta Bordoloi's management, Etcetera is being revived as Zorg with members like Ritu Saikia, myself, Shabin Kumar Das (Rabu), along with some new faces,” he explained.
Reflecting on their early days, Saikia noted, “We witnessed Zubeen Garg's dedication and hard work. He had a unique ability to connect with people from all backgrounds, and that is a legacy we aim to continue.”
Singer Satabdi Borah, who shared the stage with Zubeen for over a decade, expressed that imagining Bihu without him is challenging.
“Even though he is no longer with us, his music and legacy continue to thrive. No Bihu stage feels complete without Zubeen Garg,” she stated.
She mentioned that this year’s performances will primarily focus on his songs, alongside efforts to train and promote emerging artists.
Recalling a personal moment, she shared how Zubeen supported her during a tough time after her mother's passing, encouraging her to pursue music.
“His lessons will always resonate with me,” she said.
She also remembered his vibrant stage presence, saying, “He loved to engage and tease fellow performers. He had a nickname for me that I initially disliked, but now everyone in Assam knows me by that name,” crediting him for enhancing her performance skills.
“He was genuinely a people's person, which is why he is so cherished,” she added.
Musician Raja Boruah mentioned that artists who have collaborated for the past 10-15 years have formed a band named Jantra, which has already secured around nine to ten Bihu performances this season.
The band includes singers Rupam Bhuyan, Violina Deka, Rakesh Tanti, and Aranyam Dowarah.
“In tribute to Zubeen Garg, we will exclusively perform his songs during our Bihu shows. We also performed at the Karbi Anglong Youth Festival last month,” Baruah stated.
As a tribute to the legendary Zubeen Garg, several Bihu committees, including the Beltola Bohagi Utsav Samiti, have announced that they will not hold any Bihu events this year.
A young admirer of Zubeen Garg expressed that Bihu will not feel the same without him.
“We grew up listening to his music. For our generation, he embodies Bihu,” he remarked.
“For us, Bihu signifies friendship, dance, and Zubeen da’s songs. This year will be particularly emotional,” another fan added.