Zubeen Khetra opens in Rajgarh  celebrating the artist’s humanist legacy

GUWAHATI, September 3, 2026 — A quiet corner of Rajgarh in Guwahati has taken on a new significance with the inauguration of Zubeen Khetra, an open and inclusive memorial space dedicated to the life, music and humanist philosophy of cultural icon Zubeen Garg.

ocated beneath the historic Abhinaya building, opposite the approach road to Rajgarh No. 2 Bylane, the memorial was formally inaugurated on September 1 by Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg.

The memorial was established through the initiative of cultural activist and journalist Hemanta Sarma, who envisioned it as a space free from religious, communal and social barriers. The inauguration itself reflected that vision, with religious leaders and representatives of different faiths offering prayers, reciting sacred verses and extending blessings according to their respective traditions.

The interfaith participation added a distinctive dimension to the tribute, reflecting the inclusive spirit associated with Zubeen Garg and his music.

Speaking at the inauguration, Garima Saikia Garg recalled that Zubeen had lived in Rajgarh for nearly 15 years and that the locality remained deeply connected with his memories.

She appreciated Sarma’s initiative to create a space where Zubeen’s music, creative works, ideas and humanist philosophy could continue to inspire people.

“People often wish to pay their respects to Zubeen Garg before embarking on a meaningful endeavour,” she said, adding that Zubeen Khetra belonged to everyone.

Sarma said the objective was to ensure that Zubeen Garg’s legacy was not confined to a single memorial or location. His music and creative work, he said, had crossed boundaries of caste, community, language and religion and brought people together.

He also advocated the creation of smaller Zubeen Khetras in homes, villages and neighbourhoods as spaces where people could engage with Zubeen’s ideas and philosophy.

“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,” Sarma said.

He described the idea of Zubeen Darshan—an engagement with the artist’s thoughts, values and humanist outlook—as particularly relevant in contemporary society.

Sarma also clarified that the Rajgarh Zubeen Khetra should not be seen as an alternative to or rival of Zubeen Garg’s samadhi at Sonapur, which also bears the name Zubeen Khetra. He said the Rajgarh memorial was a personal initiative established through his own efforts and financial resources, without donations from individuals or institutions.

With prayers, sacred chants and blessings from different faith traditions marking its opening, Zubeen Khetra now stands as a small but significant space in Rajgarh where Zubeen Garg’s memory, music and humanist vision can be celebrated without religious or communal boundaries.