Durga Puja in Silchar: A Tribute to Zubeen Garg Amid Festive Celebrations

Silchar: This year’s Durga Puja in the Bengali-dominated Barak Valley has acquired an unusual poignancy, with the festivities doubling up as a tribute to Zubeen Garg.

From garlanded portraits at almost every pandal to loudspeakers blaring his evergreen hits like “Mayabini ratir bukut” and “Firbo Na Ar Bari”, Silchar’s biggest celebration has become a remembrance of the singer.

On Mahasaptami, thousands braved the searing heat to throng pandals across town. Amid chants, rituals and devotional offerings, Zubeen’s presence was felt everywhere. People paused in front of his portraits — some folding hands in prayer, others offering flowers, and many standing still in silence.


Organisers at major pujas ensured his memory found a place alongside the goddess.

“His music is inseparable from our lives. Playing his songs during Puja was inevitable,” said a committee member.

Silchar MP Parimal Suklabaidya also paid his respects, organising a tribute to Zubeen at his residence before the start of Durga Puja celebrations.