The newly opened Zubeen Khetra memorial space beneath the old Abhinaya building in Rajgarh, Guwahati, stands as a secular, open sanctuary. Free from religious barriers, it honours Zubeen Garg’s life by welcoming people from all walks of life to unite through his timeless music and inclusive human spirit.
A quiet corner of Rajgarh now glows with the timeless rhythm of Zubeen Garg’s humanist spirit, offering an open sanctuary where his music and memory will forever unite people of all faiths. In a moving tribute to cultural icon Zubeen Garg, his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, officially inaugurated Zubeen Khetra at Rajgarh, Guwahati, on September 1.
Built through the dedicated efforts of cultural activist and journalist Hemanta Sarma, the memorial stands as a timeless space honouring the artist’s enduring legacy.
Envisioned as an inclusive sanctuary open to all, irrespective of caste, community, language, or religion, the inauguration was attended by religious leaders and faith representatives who offered prayers, recited sacred verses, and extended blessings according to their respective traditions. This interfaith participation lent the occasion a profound and distinctive significance.
Speaking at the inauguration, Garima Saikia Garg noted that Zubeen Garg had lived in Rajgarh for nearly 15 years, a place deeply woven with his memories. She commended Hemanta Sarma’s initiative to establish Zubeen Khetra — a space dedicated to keeping the artist’s music, creations, ideas, and humanist philosophy alive. “People often wish to pay their respects to Zubeen Garg before embarking on a meaningful endeavour,” she shared, “and this place belongs to everyone.” She described the interfaith gathering as profoundly moving, as people of diverse faiths came forward to offer their unique blessings.
Located opposite the approach road to Rajgarh No. 2 Bylane, beneath the historic Abhinaya building, Zubeen Khetra beautifully embodies Zubeen Garg’s secular and humanist vision. This sanctuary remains open to everyone, free from any religious or communal boundaries. Founder Hemanta Sarma stated that the objective behind Zubeen Khetra is to ensure Zubeen Garg’s legacy is not confined to a single place. Just as Zubeen Garg’s music and creations transcended barriers of caste, community, language, and religion to unite people, his legacy should live on in the hearts of everyone.
Advocating for the creation of small Zubeen Khetras in homes, villages, and neighbourhoods, Sarma stated that establishing Zubeen Darshan in society is particularly crucial today. While many may not have considered this deeply yet, an increasing number of people are beginning to recognise its relevance, he said. “Just as we have temples, mosques, churches, and gurdwaras, there should also be spaces like Zubeen Khetra dedicated to Zubeen Garg’s memory and philosophy,” he added.
Sarma further clarified that while Zubeen Garg’s samadhi at Sonapur shares the name Zubeen Khetra, this Rajgarh initiative is neither a rival memorial nor an attempt to diminish the significance of the Sonapur site. Instead, he described it as a deeply personal tribute, built entirely through his own initiative and financial means without relying on any individual or institutional donations.
Steeped in the warmth of prayers, sacred chants, and interfaith blessings, the inauguration opened a small yet deeply meaningful sanctuary in Rajgarh, forever dedicated to the memory of Zubeen Garg.