Assam gears up for Bhupen Hazarika's final journey

Guwahati, Nov 6: The capital city of Assam, Guwahati has completed all arrangements for the funeral rites of Bard of Brahmaputra, Bhupen Hazarika. Music maestro passed away on Saturday (Nov 5) following prolonged illness. He has been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) since the past few days. He was 85.

According to sources, a Jet Airways flight carrying Hazarika's coffin will arrive at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati around 11:30 am on Monday (Nov 7).

Meanwhile, funeral rites of iconic singer-composer's is planned for Tuesday (Nov 8). Many organisations in the state called for a bandh on Tuesday in remembrance of Hazarika. However, official confirmation has not yet come.

“From the airport, the body of the music legend would be first brought to his ancestral home at Nizarapara in Guwahati and then taken to the Judges Field (a public playground) for his fans and well-wishers to pay their tributes and respect," said Assam Inspector General of Police GP Singh.

On way from the airport to his ancestral home, the cortege would stop for somewhile at the entrance of the Gauhati University and after at Bharalumukh and Dighalipukhuri.

“We plan to keep the body at his Nizarapara house for about two hours and then by sundown expect to bring it to the Judges Field. The body would be placed inside an air-conditioned cubicle until Tuesday morning," Singh said.

“After consultations with family members we would take out the funeral procession around Tuesday afternoon. The time and venue is yet to be finalized," the police official said.

Meanwhile, family members said the his last rites will be performed at Cachal in Guwahati, a plot of land housing the Bhupen Hazarika Trust, built during his lifetime under his personal supervision. People of Assam could show their respect to the legendary singer as Hazarika's throughout Monday (Nov 7) night.

Hazarika was a noted poet, music composer, singer, actor, journalist, author and filmmaker of high repute. Buku Hom Hom Kore, Bistirno Paarore, Manuhe Manuhor Babe, We are in the same boat brothers, Sagar Hongomot, Moi Eti Jajabor, were some of his best compositions.

Music legend has been decorated with several prestigious awards including Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Padma Bhushan, Sangeet-Natak Academy Ratna award and the ''Assam Ratna'' award by the Assam government for his contribution towards building bridges of unity and culture not only in the north east region but across the country.

OneIndia News