In a heartfelt tribute to Assam's iconic singer Zubeen Garg, who tragically died in a scuba diving accident in Singapore. The unfortunate incident happened when he was attending the 4th North East India Festival and was to perform on September 20. An Assam woman has paid a unique tribute to legendary singer Garg by weaving a 25-foot-long Gamosa featuring the lyrics of his popular songs. The remarkable handwoven creation celebrates the singer’s immense contribution to Assamese music and his deep connection with the people of the state.
Assamese woman weaves 25-foot gamosa
An Assam woman has paid a unique tribute to legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg by weaving a 25-foot-long Gamosa featuring the lyrics of his popular songs. The remarkable handwoven creation celebrates the singer’s immense contribution to Assamese music and his deep connection with the people of the state. Dalimi Lahon Gogoi, a resident of Katakipukhuri Ahom Gaon in Khowang, created the traditional handwoven masterpiece on her loom as a tribute to the legendary singer. The gamosa took nearly five months to complete. She began weaving it about a month after his unfortunate passing to preserve his musical legacy.
Songs featured on the gamosa
The gamosa features lyrics from Mayabini, Momor Sakiti Jole, Diya Ghurai Diya, Sapon Rongor Tikha Tumi, Roi Roi Binale and Andha Akash, among nine iconic songs, along with nine inspirational quotes associated with the singer. The lyrics and messages are artistically woven into floral motifs.
The traditional Gamusa, an important cultural symbol of Assam, has long been associated with Assamese identity, respect and hospitality. By incorporating Zubeen Garg’s songs into the fabric, the artisan has blended Assam’s rich weaving tradition with its vibrant musical heritage.
A tribute woven into tradition
The 25-foot Gamusa carries references to some of Zubeen Garg’s nine well-known songs, turning the traditional textile into a visual tribute to the singer. Each section reflects the emotional connect that his music has built with generations of listeners.
Zubeen Garg, known for his distinctive voice and contribution to Assamese music and cinema, has remained one of the most influential cultural figures from the Northeast. His songs have touched upon love, nature, identity and everyday life, making them deeply popular among Assamese audiences.
The handwoven tribute also highlights the skill and patience involved in Assam’s traditional textile-making practices. Weaving words, song references and artistic elements into a long Gamusa requires considerable craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Celebrating Assam’s cultural icons
The tribute has attracted attention not only because of its unusual size but also because it brings together two powerful symbols of Assamese culture, the Gamusa and Zubeen Garg’s music.
Born in 1972 in Meghalaya, Garg was a celebrated singer and composer for Assamese, Bengali, and Bollywood films. For many Assamese people, Garg’s songs are more than entertainment; they are closely connected to memories, emotions and the cultural identity of the region. The 25-foot Gamusa therefore serves as both a work of art and an expression of admiration.
