Bhupen Hazarika birth centenary marked by national tributes and museum donation

India is observing the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the legendary singer, composer, and lyricist. The year-long celebrations include tributes at his memorial in Jalukbari and a major national event scheduled for November 29 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, featuring the President and Prime Minister of India.

As part of the commemorations, the Indian Music Experience Museum in Bengaluru has added one of Hazarika’s personal harmoniums to its permanent collection. The instrument was donated by his family and the Bhupen Hazarika Cultural Trust on September 20, 2026. Museum officials noted that the instrument serves as a tactile connection to his creative process and the monumental anthems he composed.

Hazarika’s work is noted for its lyrical progressivism, often addressing themes of social justice, equality, and human resilience through the lens of Assamese culture and the Brahmaputra river.