The songs of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, whose music carried the voices and aspirations of generations, will take centre stage in New Delhi later this month as Assam prepares for the grand finale of his birth centenary celebrations. For admirers hoping to be part of the occasion, the state government has opened online registration for the November 29 event at Bharat Mandapam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the two-hour programme, beginning at 6 pm, as chief guest. The evening will bring together leading singers and musicians from Assam and across the country to celebrate the life and compositions of the artist affectionately known as Sudhakantha, the melodious voice.
Among the performers announced are Shreya Ghoshal, Shankar Mahadevan, Papon, Kavita Krishnamurti, Kaushiki Chakraborty and several prominent Assamese artists. A particularly moving part of the programme is expected to be a collective rendition of Hazarika’s songs by around 1,000 artists from Assam. Another 1,000 college students associated with music and cultural activities are also expected to attend.
The occasion will also see veteran singer Usha Mangeshkar receive the inaugural Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award, to be presented by the Prime Minister. The tribute is intended to bring Hazarika’s message of compassion, shared humanity and social harmony to audiences far beyond his home state.
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Born in 1926, Hazarika shaped Assamese music and cinema while building a remarkable connection with listeners across languages. His compositions spoke of rivers, labour, dignity and the bonds between people. A century after his birth, those themes remain central to the celebrations in his honour.
Entry to the November 29 ceremony is free, but advance registration and an approved electronic pass are compulsory. Interested members of the public can apply through the registration portal at https://sudhakantha.assam.statedatacenter.in/. Applicants must verify their mobile number, submit the requested personal and identity details, and retain the acknowledgement generated after registration.
Approved applicants are expected to be able to download personalised QR-code e-passes from noon on November 12, following scrutiny and security verification. The passes are non-transferable, and attendees must complete the prescribed selfie verification and carry an original photo identity document. Registration alone does not guarantee entry. Applicants are advised to register by November 20, as stated in detailed event instructions, since capacity limits may close access earlier; other published notices have cited a later closing date.
The programme is scheduled from 6 pm to 8 pm, and visitors must report by 5 pm for security clearance. Those travelling to Delhi will need to arrange and pay for their own transport and accommodation.
The public registration initiative was announced at a media interaction at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati, where Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma outlined the arrangements. Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota and Additional Chief Secretary for Cultural Affairs Dr B. Kalyan Chakravarthy were among the senior officials present.