Never before has Assam witnessed such a mass hysteria as people pour in from different places to bid goodbye to the ‘jajabar’ (a wanderer) for one last time as he lies in a glass-covered coffin, silenced by death. Lovingly addressed as ‘Bhupen da’ by the young and the old, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was a cultural icon and versatile genius who took Assamese cinema and music to a new height. He left for his last journey on November 5, 2011 at a private hospital in Mumbai and his body was brought to Guwahati on November 7 for the final rites. A voice that enthralled millions left the whole of Assam and others in a shaken and bereaved state, creating a vacuum that possibly will never be filled.
Bhupen da was a living legend and as the legend lives no more, millions of people came to pay their last homage. Masses flocked the Guwahati International Airport to get a last glimpse of the man and unbelievably, it took almost seven hours for the hearse carrying his coffin to cover a distance of 30 kms from the airport to his city residence. Thousands of people or ‘a sea of humanity,’ as described by a local news channel, escorted the hearse to his residence. Seeing such a reaction from the public, even the Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi expressed that he was “numb and speechless.”
His body was later taken to the Judges Field, a public playground in the city, to enable the grief-stricken public to pay their tributes. Such has been the response, that along with the family of the legend, the Government of Assam decided to postpone Bhupen da’s funeral by a day. With huge number of fans queuing up at the Judges Field since the evening of November 7, the Government’s decision to postpone the funeral by a day has been welcomed by one and all. Bhupen da’s funeral will take place in the wee hours of November 9 at the premises of Guwahati University where preparations are in full swing to lay the bard of Brahmaputra to rest.
While this is the scene in Guwahati, the rest of Assam has also mourned his death. Condolence meetings, ‘naams’ (prayers) at Naamghars (prayer houses) and rallies are being conducted across the State. Each and every street and household has lit earthen lamps and candles. Garlands adorn Bhupen da’s portrait. From a tiny music system on the streets, to the fixed loudspeakers – it’s Bhupen da’s immortal music being played everywhere…
With the Government declaring November 8, a State holiday in reverence to the maestro, offices and educational institutions were closed down. Out of their own willingness, shops and commercial places also shut down as a tribute to Bhupen da. While many came out to the streets to salute the legend, many others were glued to their television sets to see the live coverage of the happenings in Guwahati.
What Bhupen da probably never witnessed during his lifetime, is visible in this hysteria. There is unity in the outburst of love and grief of his people. With emotions running high in each and every one of us, it is hard to explain in words the situation here in Assam.
His long-time mate, an inconsolable Kalpana Lajmi expressed that she was overwhelmed to see the mass reaction, something she had seen only in documentaries on Mahatma Gandhi, his assassination and the public reaction thereafter. Bangladesh, West Bengal and other North-Eastern States have also expressed grief on his demise.
The mass reaction, arrival of Bollywood celebrities, national political leaders and more to Guwahati is a clear indication of the love and respect that Bhupen da commanded and the imprint he has left upon the hearts of many. The loss is collective as well as individual. It is almost as if every individual has lost someone close.
As noted physicist and former Vice Chancellor of Guwahati University, Dr. Amarjyoti Choudhury said in his ode to the legendary singer, “Ata Gaan heh hol…ji ganoloi roi thake xamagra jati” (A song has ended, a song which was awaited by the entire humanity).
Bhupen da might be no more, but his voice and lyrics have immortalized him. It was his wish to die in Assam as expressed in one of his popular songs- “Jonmo lolu eiyaatei, eiyaatei jen moru” (I was born in Assam and I hope to die in Assam) and it is hoped that his soul rests in peace and his legend continue to live on…
Goodbye Bhupen da, ‘tumaloi mur hekh shraddhanjali’ (my last homage to you).
Sayanika Dutta is a media professional who has worked as a TV producer and has dabbled with multiple creative streams including reporting, editing and writing.