Kolkata: In a heartfelt gathering organised by the Kolkata Assamese Cultural Association (KACA), a leading social and cultural organisation of the city, the birthday of late singer Zubeen Garg was celebrated with warmth and remembrance at Assam Bhawan.

Admirers from across Kolkata, including those speaking Assamese and Bengali, came together to honour the legendary artist, marking the first birthday celebration in the city without his presence. The sense of loss and grief among the attendees was clearly felt throughout the event.

The programme was inaugurated with a lamp-lighting ceremony led by Tapas Deb, Joint Resident Commissioner, Assam Bhawan; Prof. Dr. Khanindra Pathak, President of the Kolkata Assamese Cultural Association; and Hiten Hatkhowa, Working President of the Association. The gathering paid homage to the beloved icon of Assam with deep respect.

The evening featured a captivating medley of Zubeen Garg’s evergreen songs. With vocals in more than 35,000 songs, Zubeen Garg was cherished not only by the people of Assam but also held a special place in the hearts of Bengalis in Kolkata.

Several eminent personalities from Kolkata’s music and film fraternity, who had collaborated closely with Zubeen Garg, graced the occasion. Among them were noted lyricist Priyo Chattopadhyay and music director Akash Sen. Celebrated actress Jaya Seal Ghosh was also present.

Every distinguished guest and each participant of the cultural performances received a sapling of Nahar as a token of love and appreciation from the Association. The gathering collectively pledged to carry forward Zubeen Garg’s progressive ideals and his deep love for nature, symbolised through the blossoming of the nahar flower in Kolkata.

The cultural segment featured soulful musical performances by emerging artists Abhipriya Goswami, Sujata Pal, Kanushree Baruah, Priyambada Hazarika, Indira Deka Roy, and Harsh Reev Shandilya. Dance performances were presented by Mayurakshi Bora, Ishani Dutta Roy, and Swachhata Chakravarty.

Sanghati Das, who had performed alongside Zubeen Garg on several stages in Kolkata, shared her cherished experiences with the iconic singer. Her rendition of songs associated with him left the audience deeply moved.

In the concluding segment of the evening, conducted by the Association’s Vice President Anuj Gogoi, the audience stood together in an emotional moment as they sang “Mayabini Raatir Bukut,” accompanied by Abhi Kashyap on flute and Imon Borah on piano.

Attendees widely appreciated the Association’s efforts in organising the birthday celebration, as well as the five-day public condolence programme held earlier in Kolkata following Zubeen Garg’s untimely passing.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally