Assam Plans Unprecedented Tribute for Zubeen’s First Birth Anniversary After Death

Assam is preparing for one of the largest and most emotionally charged cultural observances in recent memory as the state readies to celebrate the 53rd birth anniversary of iconic singer, composer and cultural phenomenon Zubeen Garg—his first birth anniversary since his untimely death on September 19.

From Chirang to Dhakuakhana, from Kaliabor to Guwahati, thousands of fans, artists, organisations and political leaders are mobilising to honour the beloved star with massive cultural shows, memorial activities, social service programmes and public tributes.

CHIRANG | 3,000 Women to Sing ‘Mayabini’; Foundation Stone for Statue

In Bijni, Chirang, the Zubeen Garg Smriti Saudha Nirman Samiti is set to organise a grand and emotional tribute on Tuesday.

During a press briefing, Samiti President and Bijni MLA Ajay Kumar Ray announced a series of major programmes:

• 3,000 girls, women teachers and women artistes will perform a mass choral rendition of “Mayabini Ratir Bukut”.

• Nahor saplings will be planted across the venue as a symbolic gesture of remembrance.

• The foundation stone of a full-sized statue of Zubeen Garg will be laid.

• A cultural evening dedicated exclusively to Zubeen’s songs will conclude the event.

The final rehearsal for the massive chorus was completed on Monday.

BOKAKHAT | First Full-Size Statue Ready for Unveiling

Bokakhat is preparing to unveil the first-ever full-size statue of Zubeen Garg, constructed under the initiative of former MLA Jiten Gogoi.

Several prominent individuals are scheduled to attend, including:

• Bhuppesh Saikia (Garima Saikia Garg’s elder brother)

• Samar Hazarika (Dr. Bhupen Hazarika's younger brother)

• Khonjan Nath

• Sandhya Menon

• Admirers of both Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg

The ceremony will begin with Vedic rituals and a Naam-Prasanga, followed by the formal unveiling of the statue.

DHAKUAKHANA | High-Voltage Football Match to Mark the Day

Dhakuakhana will host a high-profile football match between NorthEast United FC and Oil India FC on November 18 to honour Zubeen Garg’s memory.

The event is organised under the leadership of MLA and Assam Football Association President Naba Kumar Doley and will feature:

• A public tribute to Zubeen Garg

• Cultural dance performances by multiple ethnic communities

• Venue inspection by AFA officials to ensure smooth proceedings

KALIABOR | 10,000 Artists to Perform ‘Mayabini’; 4-Bigha Plot Declared as Zubeen Khelpathar (Sports Ground)

Kaliabor has announced one of the state’s biggest celebrations, declaring Zubeen’s 53rd birth anniversary as “Jatiya Swabhiman Diwas”.

Major highlights include:

• 10,000 artistes performing “Mayabini” in multiple languages

• A 4-bigha land to be dedicated as Zubeen Khelpathar (Sports Ground)

• Participation from 122 organisations and institutions

• 4,000 women performing Dihanaam

• 1,000 gayan-bayan performers from across the region

• Planting of 53 Nahor saplings as a mark of respect

The preparations are being supervised directly by local MLA and minister Keshav Mahanta.

LAKHIMPUR | Signature Campaign and Two-Day Memorial Programme

The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) has launched a mass signature campaign in Lakhimpur demanding justice for the late singer.

Meanwhile, in Naoboicha, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) began a two-day observance featuring:

• A blood donation camp with nearly 40 donors

• A series of cultural programmes scheduled for Tuesday

LANKA | Youth Runs 159 KM to Sonapur in Emotional Tribute

In a striking act of devotion, Niranjan Saikia, a young teacher from 1 No. Kaki, Lanka, began a 159-km tribute run to Zubeen Garg’s resting place at Sonapur.

He started his run at 10 AM today, flagged off by Hojai Zila Parishad Chairperson Junty Bora Bhagawati.

The run carries a dual message:

• A heartfelt tribute to Zubeen

• A symbolic call for justice

Saikia is expected to reach the Samadhikshetra on the morning of November 18.

GUWAHATI | Statue at Kahilipara Residence to Be Installed Tomorrow

At Zubeen Garg’s Kahilipara residence in Guwahati, preparations are underway for the installation of a life-sized statue on Tuesday.

The statue has been crafted by a dedicated team under the supervision of Jyoti Sankar Bhattacharya, along with:

• Manjit Kalita

• Hirakjyoti Deka

• Rupam Deka

• Deepjyoti Deka

The sculpture was created in clay, cast in fibre glass, and finished with a copper-bronze texture.

APCC to Host ‘Kanchanjungha’ Tribute in Guwahati

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) will hold a special memorial programme titled “Kanchanjungha – Sanskriti Houk Maitreyir Mantra”.

APCC President and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi is set to attend.

BJP to Organise 'Jeevan Surabhi' Blood Donation Drive Across Assam

Meanwhile, the BJP, Assam Pradesh, will conduct 53 blood donation camps across the state on November 18 as a tribute to Zubeen Garg.

Key highlights include:

• State BJP President Dilip Saikia will inaugurate the Khanapara camp by donating blood at 9 AM.

• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will arrive from London via Delhi and reach the Khanapara venue around 2 PM to donate blood.

• Over 5,000 people have already registered, with numbers expected to rise further.

• Camps will be held in district headquarters and 53 key locations across the state.

A Unified State, A Shared Grief

As November 18 approaches, Assam prepares to unite in emotion, memory and celebration.
From mass choruses to marathon runs, from statues to social service, the scale of statewide participation shows the profound impact Zubeen Garg continues to have on the collective heart of Assam.

For the people of Assam, this birth anniversary is not just a date—
it is a movement, a tribute, and a reaffirmation of love for the legend who remains immortal in their songs, memories and identity.

Also Read: A tribute to the Music Maestro: Zubeen Garg's lifelike statue to be unveiled soon