“It wasn’t merely Zubeen’s songs, but the very soul of the artist that captivated us,” shared 23-year-old Gui, whom I encountered on a recent trip to Jaipur. “Young people in the Northeast often feel a profound sense of disconnection from mainstream India. This is precisely why figures like Zubeen, who offer a powerful sense of identity and a resonant voice, become such revered cultural icons. It’s also why successful artists from this region maintain such strong ties to their heritage. They see it as their duty to amplify the concerns of their communities. Zubeen was far more than a musician; he was a passionate cultural activist, using his art as a powerful platform to champion the people of Assam.”
The news of Zubeen Garg’s passing in Singapore cast a shadow of deep sorrow across Assam and the entire Northeast. His cremation on September 23rd, in Kamarkuchi village near Guwahati, witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of grief, with crowds so vast it was reportedly the fourth-largest gathering worldwide, according to the Limca Book of Records. This monumental turnout spoke volumes about the profound, almost spiritual bond his fans shared with this enigmatic artist.
Amidst a sea of tear-streaked faces, thousands of devotees, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, collectively sang his timeless hit, ‘Mayabini ratir bukut’ (from the film Daag). The air vibrated with raw, heartfelt emotion. At a Guwahati concert in 2019, Zubeen had shared a poignant wish: “When I die, ‘Mayabini’ should be sung.” As his final journey unfolded, his words resonated powerfully, a bittersweet melody in the hearts of everyone gathered.
In the vibrant tapestry of the Northeast, music isn’t just an art form; it’s the very pulse of life, deeply intertwined with the region’s social and spiritual essence. While contemporary genres like rock, rap, and blues flourish today, the region also cherishes a rich heritage of folk traditions and devotional hymns, carefully preserved through generations and performed at every festival and community gathering. As renowned Assamese singer and music director Tarali Sarma, who collaborated with Zubeen on some compositions, puts it, “In Assam, there truly is a song for every moment.”
The performing arts were central to the Vaishnavite movement spearheaded by Assam’s revered saint-scholar, Srimanta Sankaradeva. He connected with the masses through the soulful Borgeet, the elegant Sattriya dance, and the dramatic Ankiya Bhaona. This rich tradition also includes Ghoxa, devotional songs lovingly sung by worshippers in Namghars (prayer houses) and within their homes.
Rituraj Rajalim, a keyboardist for Sikkim’s G Force band and a music instructor at Gangtok’s Tashi Namgyal Academy, highlights the deep roots of regional music. “So much of our musical expression draws inspiration directly from our hometowns,” he explains. “Music is fundamental to our upbringing here. In schools, it’s integrated as a core subject, not just an extracurricular pursuit. This ensures that even if children don’t pursue a performance career, they develop a lifelong appreciation for music.”
A Distinctive Cultural Melody
Visual: A vibrant image of Zubeen Garg performing on stage at Helacha, capturing his dynamic presence.
The musical landscape of the Northeast possesses a truly distinctive flavor. “It defies direct comparison to Hindustani or Carnatic traditions,” explains Krishnakshi Kashyap, a renowned Sattriya exponent. “It is a pure reflection of the region’s diverse tribes and communities, vividly portraying their way of life. Zubeen’s music, in particular, was a brilliant fusion of his boundless imagination and the deep-seated ethos of the region. His astonishing repertoire, comprising over 38,000 songs, effortlessly crossed linguistic barriers, embracing both Borgeet and Bihu styles.”
Tarali Sarma, a National Award-winning singer, holds a deep understanding of Assam’s traditional sound, a legacy passed down from her father, Prabhat Sarma, a celebrated folk artist and flautist. She has observed firsthand the evolution of the region’s music, gracefully incorporating both contemporary and global influences over time.
“Assam’s vibrant music scene, characterized by its soulful instrumentation and compelling songwriting, has blossomed into an ideal environment for creative exploration,” she notes, “fostering the rise of numerous independent artists.”
Beyond mere melody and rhythm, the music of this region has historically carried the profound weight of survival in a land grappling with insurgency, identity conflicts, and political oversight. Through their powerful compositions, bands and artists have meticulously documented injustices, highlighted discrimination, and voiced cultural anxieties, forging a unifying counter-narrative that strengthens communities and cultivates immense resilience. Within this rich context, Zubeen’s music serves as a vital form of cultural documentation. It’s no wonder that, despite his triumphs in Bollywood, he deliberately chose to return and dedicate his art to Assam.
“Long before Zubeen, Assam had another iconic singer-songwriter, Bhupen Hazarika, who masterfully used his music to advocate for human rights and environmental causes,” Tarali recalls. “However, when a 20-year-old Zubeen burst onto the music scene with his debut album, Anamika—an instant chartbuster—he brought an electrifying freshness. His rockstar image, bold fashion sense, and music that seamlessly blended contemporary styles with deep local sensibilities, quickly made him the voice of a new generation. His unwavering philosophy, ‘I belong to everyone beyond caste or religion,’ truly distinguished him, solidifying his status as a cultural phenomenon whose legacy will echo for generations. Efforts are now underway to digitally preserve his unique voice for posterity.”