Zubeen Khetra Opens as Secular Sanctuary in Guwahati

Guwahati: Garima Saikia Garg officially opened Zubeen Khetra on September 1 in Guwahati’s Rajgarh area. Located beneath the old Abhinaya building, opposite the approach road to Rajgarh No. 2 Bylane, the site functions as a secular sanctuary. It honors the humanist vision of cultural icon Zubeen Garg. The space welcomes everyone regardless of caste, religion, or language.

Journalist and cultural activist Hemanta Sarma built the site using his own money. He rejected outside donations. Religious leaders from various traditions attended the ceremony to offer prayers and blessings. Garima Saikia Garg noted the artist lived in Rajgarh for 15 years. She stated, “People often wish to pay their respects to Zubeen Garg before embarking on a meaningful endeavour, and this place belongs to everyone.”

Sarma intends for this space to keep the singer's music and philosophy alive. He wants people to build similar small tribute sites in their own homes and villages. He believes society needs these spaces. While a site called Zubeen Khetra also exists in Sonapur, Sarma clarified this project is a personal tribute rather than a competitor. The new Guwahati location stays open to the public as a permanent reflection of Garg’s inclusive spirit.