‘Justice for Zubeen Garg’ slogans echo at Jatinga Festival during singer Shaan’s tribute performance

The scenic hills of Dima Hasao reverberated with emotional chants of “Justice for Zubeen Garg” during the ongoing Jatinga Festival this year. 

The demand for justice for the late Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg took centre stage during Bollywood singer Shaan’s live performance on Sunday evening.

As Shaan began singing “Maya Maya Mathu Maya” in tribute to Zubeen Garg, the thousands gathered at the festival ground spontaneously raised slogans calling for justice for the beloved singer. The crowd’s unified voice sent a strong emotional message — that the people of Assam have not forgotten Zubeen and continue to seek justice over his mysterious death.

The Jatinga Festival, inaugurated on November 8 by Devolal Garlosa, Chief Executive Member of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, was themed around “Protection and Conservation of Migratory Birds.” The event was held at the picturesque “Mini Pahalgam” area near the Jatinga stretch along National Highway 27 between Lumding and Silchar — a site known for its natural beauty and cultural richness.

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This year’s edition carried special emotional significance as the organisers dedicated parts of the festival to pay homage to Zubeen Garg, who had performed at the Jatinga and Falcon Festivals multiple times in the past.

Musicians from Guwahati performed heartfelt tributes through music, while visitors from across the state joined in expressing their solidarity and sorrow. “We enjoyed Zubeen’s music here many times. Now, we want justice for him,” said one of the attendees from Haflong.

The two-day festival featured a vibrant exhibition of handloom and handicrafts from various ethnic communities of Dima Hasao, along with stalls offering local cuisine and traditional products. Performances by rock bands from Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Dima Hasao, as well as energetic sets by DJ Anshikha (Mumbai) and DJ Niharika (Hyderabad), added to the festive atmosphere.

Bollywood singer Shaan’s performance was the main highlight of the festival, alongside appearances by several local artists from Dima Hasao. The festival opened with traditional folk performances representing the district’s diverse tribes, celebrating their cultural heritage while remembering one of Assam’s greatest musical legends — Zubeen Garg.