In a heartfelt tribute to one of India’s most cherished musical icons, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a special program in memory of the late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. This homage will take place during the opening ceremony of the Women’s World Cup on September 30 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium. The initiative reflects both the significance of Garg’s contributions to Indian music and culture and the deep respect and admiration he commanded across the nation. By incorporating the tribute into a global sporting event, the BCCI seeks to honor his legacy on a grand platform, bridging the worlds of sports and music.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the program will feature a 40-minute segment dedicated entirely to celebrating Garg’s illustrious career. Over the span of more than three decades, Garg carved out a remarkable journey as a musician, composer, actor, and cultural ambassador. The tribute will highlight the breadth of his artistic achievements, his innovative contributions to Indian music, and his impact on the cultural landscape of Assam and India at large. Fondly known as the “heartbeat of Assam,” Garg’s musical legacy remains unparalleled, with over 34,000 songs recorded in more than 40 languages. His versatility allowed him to transcend regional and linguistic barriers, earning admiration not only within Assam but throughout India and beyond.
The program aims to provide audiences with an overview of Garg’s vast and varied contributions. As a musician, he navigated multiple genres, blending traditional Assamese melodies with contemporary styles, while as a composer, he crafted songs that resonated with diverse audiences. His acting career further showcased his creative range, and his role as a cultural ambassador helped promote Assamese music and art on national and international platforms. By highlighting these aspects of Garg’s life, the BCCI tribute seeks to immortalize his influence on music and culture while inspiring future generations of artists and enthusiasts.
Fans and cultural organizations across the Northeast and beyond have widely welcomed the initiative. Many regard the tribute as a fitting homage to a legendary figure whose voice united communities, evoked emotion, and inspired countless people. Garg’s ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level made him not just an entertainer but a symbol of cultural pride and identity. The tribute at the Women’s World Cup opening ceremony ensures that his contributions will be celebrated on a global stage, reflecting his stature as a musical icon whose work resonates far beyond regional boundaries.
The timing of the tribute, coinciding with the first match of the Women’s World Cup, creates a unique confluence of sports and music, allowing audiences to commemorate Garg while celebrating athletic excellence. By bringing together these two powerful cultural spheres, the BCCI ensures that the homage will be both widely viewed and emotionally impactful. The ceremony will serve as a reminder of Garg’s enduring legacy, his transformative role in Indian music, and his unifying influence across diverse communities.
Through this special program, the BCCI not only honors the life and work of Zubeen Garg but also emphasizes the enduring power of music as a means of cultural connection and remembrance. The 40-minute tribute promises to be a moving celebration of an artist whose contributions continue to inspire, entertain, and unite people across generations and regions.