Guwahati's Diwali: A Celebration of Remembrance Amidst Grief

A Sombre Diwali in Guwahati

This year's Diwali is marked by a profound sense of loss, as the community mourns the passing of the beloved cultural figure, Zubeen Garg.

While markets are stocked with festive items like diyas, fairy lights, and rangolis, the sales have significantly declined compared to previous years.

Shopkeepers express a subdued festive atmosphere, overshadowed by the grief for Assam's cherished singer. As homes prepare to illuminate their spaces, the joy of the festival is tinged with remembrance.

Qutub Ali, who operates a lighting stall in Fancy Bazar, shares, “Business isn’t what it was last year. Last Diwali, customers flocked from dawn till dusk. Now, three days in, we haven’t even made Rs 5,000 in profit. We mourn the singer’s death, but life must go on—we still need to provide for our families.”

In a small shop filled with vibrant diyas and LED lights, Rupali Das adjusts boxes that typically sell out quickly. “Last year, I had to restock every couple of days,” she recalls. “Now, I still have old stock. It’s odd—people browse but don’t buy much. Everyone is talking about Zubeen. It feels like the city has lost its rhythm.”

A Diminished Festive Spirit

Muted festive spirit

In Assam, Diwali has always been accompanied by the familiar tunes of Zubeen Garg, whose voice resonated from every corner. This year, however, that soundtrack is absent.

Fancy Bazar, the festive hub of Guwahati, is still adorned with lights and colorful stalls, yet the atmosphere feels subdued.

Raju Sharma, who runs a gift shop decorated with string lights, states, “I usually play Zubeen’s songs to attract customers, but it doesn’t feel appropriate now. The mood is heavy.”

The sentiment is echoed by Rekha Agarwal, a sweet shop owner in Noonmati, who notes that while sales are steady, they lack the usual Diwali excitement. “People are buying less. Perhaps it’s the sadness or the prices, but the enthusiasm is missing,” she observes.

Young shoppers are also sensing the change. College student Mrinmoy Kalita remarks, “Last year, we’d spend hours here—laughing, taking photos, buying whatever we wanted. This year feels different… quieter, almost reflective. People are still celebrating, but there’s a heaviness in the air.”

The shift is not only emotional but also visible. The usual lively bargaining has turned into soft conversations, with discussions about discounts replaced by fond memories of Zubeen’s music.

Stallholders note that families are shopping with intention rather than joy, focusing on necessities rather than festive indulgences.

Rafique Ahmed Khan, who sells rangoli powders and decorative thalis, observes, “Even the children are different. Normally, they’d be excited by the colors, pulling their parents to the stalls. This time, parents are telling them about Zubeen… how he was part of every celebration. It’s touching, yet very sad.”

Guwahati Shines, Yet Remains Reflective

Guwahati glows, but quietly

This Diwali, Guwahati will shine, but the glow will be softer, and the celebrations more subdued. The city is observing the festival with a sense of restraint, as if each light lit carries a memory.

Khan, while arranging a box of Rangoli colors at his stall, reflects, “Zubeen’s absence feels like Guwahati itself has dimmed a bit. Diwali is about light, but this year, it’s more about remembrance.”

For many, this quieter celebration serves as a tribute. Across the city, homes will light diyas not only for the festival but also in honor of the singer whose voice was integral to every celebration.

Baishya shares, “We don’t feel like celebrating Diwali this year. Zubeen’s loss feels personal. We will just light diyas and pray for justice for him.”

As the festival of lights approaches, Guwahati finds itself delicately balancing celebration and sorrow. The lights may illuminate the city, but the heartbeat feels gentler and slower this year. For many, each diya lit is not just a symbol of light over darkness—it’s a heartfelt homage to a voice that once resonated in every Assamese home.

Raju Sharma concludes, “This Diwali may be quieter, but it’s also more meaningful. It reminds us of what truly matters—the people we love, the memories we cherish, and the voices that have shaped our lives. Zubeen will always be part of our Diwali.”