The dawn of 2026 in Assam was a poignant blend of devout hope and collective remembrance. As the first rays of the New Year sun touched the state, thousands of devotees embarked on pilgrimages to its sacred sites, seeking divine blessings for health, prosperity, and harmony. Yet, beneath the chants and the fragrance of incense, a palpable sense of loss lingered for the beloved musical icon, Zubeen Garg.
A Spiritual Beginning at Ancient Shrines
From the historic 5th-century Kamakhya temple to other revered shrines, the morning of January 1st witnessed massive gatherings. Long queues formed at prominent places of worship including the Navagraha temple, Basistha temple, and the famous Ganesh mandir at Ganeshguri in Guwahati. The spiritual fervor extended to public spaces like the Mahabahu Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre and the newly inaugurated Brahmaputra Riverfront – Sati Radhika Udyan at Uzan Bazar.
For devotees like S Borkakoti, who visited Kamakhya with his family, the prayers were for a broader societal good. "We prayed for a society filled with warmth, laughter and brotherhood," he shared. His thoughts, however, soon turned somber, reflecting the state's shared grief. "2025 was a year of tragedy for the people of Assam in many ways," Borkakoti stated. "Zubeen Garg’s sudden death while swimming in the sea in Singapore shocked the entire state. His absence has left a vacuum. We only hope and pray that the truth behind it eventually comes out."
Zubeen Garg's Enduring Echo in the New Year
Despite his physical absence, Zubeen Garg's spirit dominated the celebrations. His timeless hits provided the soundtrack to New Year's Eve and Day across Assam, transforming the festivities into a statewide tribute. Many admirers also visited the singer's cremation ground to pay their respects, ensuring his memory remained an integral part of the transition into 2026.
For resident Jonali Das, the cold weather along the Brahmaputra's south bank was no match for the emotional warmth of Zubeen's music. "Zubeen is physically no more. We lost him because of the negligence of certain people," she expressed. "But if you look closely, you’ll notice that his timeless hits have reached another dimension now. His songs echoed from almost every home on New Year’s Eve." She, like countless others, believes that no festival in Assam feels complete without his melodies, affirming that "He will remain alive through his music."
Evening Revelry at the New Brahmaputra Riverfront
As dusk settled over Guwahati, the city's mood shifted towards celebration. The Sati Radhika Udyan riverfront, inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on November 7, emerged as a hub of activity. Hundreds, predominantly young people, gathered at this vibrant public space. With music, lively chatter, and the gentle Brahmaputra breeze, the riverfront became one of the liveliest spots to welcome the year's first evening, symbolizing a forward-looking hope amidst remembrance.
Jonali Das, who finally visited the new park with her husband, encapsulated the day's dual emotions. The new public infrastructure brought joy and a sense of a fresh start, while the ubiquitous playback of Zubeen's songs served as a constant, beloved reminder of a cultural giant. Thus, Assam stepped into 2026, carrying forward its deep spiritual traditions and holding close the immortal legacy of its musical soul, Zubeen Garg.
