Dibrugarh, Sept 8: The birth centenary of Bhupen Hazarika is not just an anniversary but a remembrance of the “Sudhakantha” (Bard of the Brahmaputra), whose voice captured both the physical grandeur of the river and the emotional struggles and aspirations of the people along its banks.
The year-long centenary celebrations of the legendary singer and cultural icon begin today, with the Assam government and several organisations preparing an array of tributes. Hazarika’s only son, Tez Hazarika, along with his wife and son, has arrived from the US to participate in the events. On Sunday, a 65-minute documentary titled Bhupen da Uncut, directed by Bobbeeta Sharma, was released as part of the commemorations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage on social media, writing: “Remembering Bhupen Hazarika Ji on his birth anniversary. As we begin his birth centenary celebrations, penned a few thoughts on his life and music and how it inspired millions.”
Remembering Bhupen Hazarika Ji on his birth anniversary. As we begin his birth centenary celebrations, penned a few thoughts on his life and music and how it inspired millions.https://t.co/pK9OwOVzxF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 8, 2025
Marking the occasion, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), launched “Bistirna Parore: A Musical Voyage from Sadiya to Dhubri” at Guijan in Tinsukia. The river journey—named after one of Hazarika’s most iconic compositions—will retrace the flow of the Brahmaputra while carrying his enduring message of unity and cultural harmony downstream. The voyage was ceremonially flagged off this morning, with its first major event at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh.
The Bogibeel celebrations include an art competition, a quiz on Dr. Hazarika’s life and works, and traditional dance performances by the Moran, Motok, Tea Tribe, Sonowal Kachari, Deuri, and Gorkha communities, reflecting the diverse cultural mosaic that Bhupen Da so vividly portrayed through his music.
Video tributes from eminent musicians will also be showcased, including violinist Sunita Bhuyan Khound, music directors Dhrubajyoti Phukan, Amrit Pritam, Lohit Gogoi, and Syed Sadulla, along with artists Ramen Choudhury, Samar Hazarika, and devotional singer Anup Jalota. Each tribute underscores Hazarika’s unmatched ability to transcend borders with his art.
“The voyage embodies the timeless spirit of Bhupen Da’s music,” said Prabin Bora, Director, IWAI. “His creations were not just songs; they were voices of humanity, unity, and justice. Much like the Brahmaputra, his music flowed across borders with a universal message of peace and brotherhood.”
The cultural voyage will span four key locations in Assam:
Bogibeel, Dibrugarh – Sept 8
Silghat, Tezpur – Sept 11
Pandu, Guwahati – Sept 15 (tentative)
IWAI Jetty, Jogighopa – Sept 18 (tentative)
At each stop, live performances of Hazarika’s immortal songs, folk presentations, and cultural narratives from the communities that shaped his art will keep his spirit alive.
Dr. Hazarika, honoured with the Bharat Ratna in 2019, continues to inspire generations through compositions such as “Shillongore Godhuli” and “Lien Makao”, which reflect both rootedness in the region and a universal human appeal.
With Bistirna Parore, Assam and India celebrate not just a centenary, but the eternal voice of the Brahmaputra that Bhupen Hazarika gifted to the world.
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