200 flutes, one legacy: The music of Zubeen lives on in Sonapur

A month has passed since Sonapur fell silent in mourning, yet the echo of Zubeen Garg’s voice continues to linger in the hearts of thousands. On the eve of one month since his passing, the Sonapur Memorial Grounds transformed into a living monument of devotion and melody, a place where memory met music in a celestial harmony on October 19.

As dawn broke, the air filled with a hum of anticipation. Devotees and admirers from across Assam gathered at the memorial, each carrying flowers, tears, and stories of a man whose songs defined an era. For the people of Assam, Zubeen is not gone; he has merely transcended into a realm where every note played is eternal.

Leading the tribute was Garima Saikia Garg, his wife, who stood alongside close family members in a moment that was both deeply personal and profoundly collective. Around her, an extraordinary sight unfolded, a symphony of 200 flutists performing “Mayabini,” their instruments weaving waves of sound that drifted through the skies above Sonapur. As the music soared, it seemed to carry Zubeen’s spirit, a reminder that art never dies—it only transforms.

The air soon resonated with the chanting of Harinam, the sacred invocation of the Lord’s name, infusing the atmosphere with divine energy. Many described the moment as Sonapur’s transformation into a “second Vaikunthpuri”, a heavenly abode sanctified by sound and devotion.

For a month, the memorial grounds had stood still, quiet witnesses to a world learning to live with loss. But on this day of remembrance, the silence gave way to song, and sorrow turned into celebration. Thousands gathered to pay tribute, lighting candles, singing softly, and sharing memories that glowed with nostalgia and love.

“I felt as though he was here, smiling, singing among us,” said one attendee, her voice trembling with emotion. Others called it a “fusion of music, devotion, and memory,” a quote that perfectly captures the day’s essence.

For Assam, Zubeen Garg was not merely a singer, he was a phenomenon whose art bridged traditions, languages, and generations. His memorial now stands as more than a resting place; it is a sanctum of sound and spirit, where flutes whisper his legacy and every chant keeps his melody alive.

Even in silence, Zubeen sings on.