: This year, Durga Puja in Assam carries a sense of loss. For the first time in decades, the celebrations will be held without the voice of Assam’s legendary singer, Zubeen Garg, whose sudden demise in Singapore on September 19 has cast a pall of gloom over the state.

Every year, Zubeen’s hit numbers filled the air across pandals, becoming inseparable from the festive spirit. But this time, the festivities will carry an undertone of tribute. Puja committees across Assam have decided to honour his memory at their mandaps.

At the Sri Sri Kalibari Durga Puja in Dibrugarh, now in its 115th year, members have already placed Garg’s photograph at the mandap. “This year, we celebrate Durga Puja without Assam’s heartthrob Zubeen da. His songs always resonated with us during the puja. Though he is

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