Zubeen lives on...

If one has to explain the concept of cosmic balance for a meaningful human life, the city of Guwahati will surely emerge as the exquisite example. As the city dips into the Durga Puja fetivities —topped with the joy of hosting the 2025 ICC Women's World Cup opener — the pandals housing the eye-catching idols of Goddess Durga, also lament the death of famous singer, Zubeen Garg.

The heartthrob of Assam’s young generation, Zubeen died in Singapore following a scuba-diving accident while attending the 4th North-East India Festival. Even in his death, Zubeen spread the message ‘Every day is a new performance’, as people continue to enjoy the Puja festival remembering the legendary singer. Each pandal in Guwahati pays tribute to Zubeen. While some display a special gallery of his photographs, some run an obituary in the evening. At some pandals, a documentary on his life is screened, and even at the Barsapara Stadium, his posters hang tall. “He has made a special place in the heart of Assamese people. Every pandal in the city has one thing or other to offer in Zubeen’s life. It’s like, everyone is honouring his life in his death,” said RituRaj Vanshi, a pandal manager.

Zubeen had some extraordinary versatility...singing nearly 38,000 songs in 40 different languages. A lyricist, composer, director, actor…his journey was spread across 30 years. “He lived for a noble cause, and carried Assam’s name wherever he went. His songs have a meaning for life, and many people felt the setback with his passing away. Look at the pandals, the venue carries a vibe to celebrate life, a new beginning and festivities — in all this Zubeen gets a special mention, which is enough to tell the attachment his name still carries with the masses,” said Anuradha, a local budding cricketer.

During the first innings break, at Barsapara Stadium, singer Shreya Ghoshal also paid a special tribute to Zubeen. “He was not a mere entertainer, but a messenger of the god to tell the world how to live life through his songs. Never imagined, someone getting so much emotional attention from people. The people here mourn the death of Zubeen, but in a way which will be remembered for ages to come,” said Madhur Das, a spectator at one of the pandals. “He has left us with many beautifulmemories. His message to the world was not just to live, but to spread kindness. I think he deserves all the respect,” added Sushila, another attendee.