As Assam mourns Zubeen Garg’s demise Barpeta firecracker makers face uncertain season

As Diwali lights begin to twinkle across India, Assam’s festive spirit remains dimmed by grief. 

Weeks after the untimely demise of the state’s beloved artist Zubeen Garg, a deep sense of mourning continues to hang heavy over Assam. 

For many of his admirers, celebrations feel incomplete without the voice and presence of the man who symbolised the state’s cultural heartbeat.

This subdued sentiment has cast a shadow on Diwali festivities across Assam, leaving local businesses worried about declining enthusiasm. Among those most affected are the traditional firecracker makers of Barpeta, a town long known for its indigenous craft and handmade fireworks. 

The industry, which thrives during the festival of lights, now faces an uncertain season as sales slow and certain local organisations impose restrictions on the use of firecrackers this year.

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For the small-scale manufacturers who depend entirely on Diwali sales, the situation is particularly worrisome. Many have taken bank loans to produce their annual stock, hoping for brisk business during the festive period. The slowdown has also impacted local potters who supply the clay materials used to make the firecracker shells, linking the fortunes of entire families and small workshops to the market’s performance.

Amid the gloom, a ray of hope arrived from Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who appealed to the public to support and buy locally made firecrackers instead of imported or machine-produced varieties. His message, emphasizing “vocal for local,” was warmly welcomed by Barpeta’s artisans, who said it has revived their confidence during a challenging time.

“We were anxious that this Diwali would be a dark one for us, but the Chief Minister’s encouragement has given us strength,” said one of the local makers. “We have been doing this for generations, and we just want people to continue celebrating Diwali with our handmade creations.”

Still, with the air of mourning in Assam and the cautious tone of celebrations, many fear that even with renewed support, sales may not reach previous levels. For the artisans of Barpeta, Diwali this year is more than a festival — it is a test of endurance, resilience, and faith that light will once again return to Assam’s heart.