Government of Assam has announced a grand celebration to honour the centenary of legendary musician Dr. Bhupen Hazarika

Bongaigaon Times: Guwahati: August 1, 2025 — The Government of Assam has announced a grand year‑long celebration to honour the centenary of legendary musician Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. The festivities will officially kick off on September 8, 2025, at the Veterinary College Playground in Khanapara, Guwahati. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend as the chief guest.

The opening program will feature a cultural spectacular — 1,000 artistes performing songs composed by Hazarika, honouring his immense impact on Assamese folk and modern music.

During the event, PM Modi will release a biography of Bhupen Hazarika, translated into multiple Indian languages, as well as PM may unveil a commemorative coin in his memory, which has not been officially confirmed yet.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the enduring relevance of Hazarika’s music. He described how Hazarika’s songs echoed the lives of Assam’s workers, boatmen, and tea-garden communities — placing the voice of the common person at the heart of his art.

Further ensuring statewide involvement, the Assam government has launched a public registration portal. District Commissioners will oversee the selection process to ensure representation from across Assam. Selected guests and those who had personal ties with Hazarika will receive personalized invitations. For those unable to be present in Guwahati, district-level venues will host live screenings of the ceremony.

The centenary tribute coincides with broader honours being extended to the maestro: the Dibrugarh airport is slated to be renamed as Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika Airport, following a unanimous resolution by the Assam Legislative Assembly. The initiative is pending final approval at the Union level. Additionally, events commemorating Hazarika’s legacy will occur across Arunachal Pradesh, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi throughout the year.