The Assam government has launched an online registration facility for people interested in attending the grand closing ceremony of the birth centenary celebrations of legendary singer, composer and cultural icon Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. The concluding event is scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on November 29, 2026.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the registration portal on November 6 during an interaction programme in Dispur. The initiative will allow admirers of the Bharat Ratna awardee from Assam, other parts of India and abroad to apply for an opportunity to attend the event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to participate as the Chief Guest. The ceremony will bring together prominent personalities, musicians, cultural representatives and admirers to pay tribute to Hazarika's contributions to Indian music and society.
The closing ceremony will mark the culmination of year-long celebrations organised to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of the celebrated Assamese artiste.
Registration Dates and Entry Details
According to the arrangements announced by the Assam government, online registration began on November 6 and will remain open until November 28, 2026, subject to the venue's capacity.
Applicants can access the registration facility through their mobile phones. The process requires mobile number verification through a one-time password, followed by the submission of basic personal details and a copy of the Aadhaar card.
After the application details are reviewed and security verification is completed, selected applicants will be able to download their electronic invitation passes from 12 noon on November 12.
The e-pass will be issued in the applicant's name and will contain a QR code. Applicants must complete a selfie-based verification process by scanning the QR code through their mobile phones.
At the venue, attendees will be required to present the same QR code along with an original photo identity document at the entry gate.
The state government has clarified that completing online registration does not automatically guarantee entry. Only applicants who receive an approved e-pass will be permitted to attend the programme. The passes will be personal and cannot be transferred to another individual.
Entry to the event will be free of charge. However, attendees must make their own arrangements for travel and accommodation. The Assam government will not cover these expenses.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Attend as Chief Guest
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the November 29 ceremony as the Chief Guest. His participation is expected to give national prominence to the concluding programme, which aims to celebrate the life and artistic legacy of one of India's most respected cultural personalities.
The Prime Minister will also present the inaugural Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award to renowned singer Usha Mangeshkar. She has agreed to accept the honour in recognition of her contribution to Indian music.
The award has been instituted by the Assam government in the name of the legendary singer and composer. It carries a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh along with a citation and is intended to recognise distinguished contributions to music, arts and cinema. According to the announced framework, the award will be presented once every three years.
The presentation of the first award is expected to be one of the important highlights of the centenary finale.
National and Assamese Artistes to Perform
The closing ceremony will feature performances by several well-known singers and musicians from different parts of India. The programme is being planned as a musical tribute to Hazarika's compositions and his lasting influence on Indian culture.
Among the national-level artistes expected to perform are Shreya Ghoshal, Shankar Mahadevan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Kalpana Patowary, Angaraag Mahanta, popularly known as Papon, L. Subramaniam, Kaushiki Chakraborty, Mahalaxmi Iyer, Rahul Deshpande and Sriram.
Several prominent artistes from Assam will also participate. The announced list includes Tarali Sarma, Mousumi Saharia, Shankuraj Konwar, Dikshu Sarma, Rupam Bhuyan, Mayukh Hazarika, Zublee Baruah, Nahid Afrin, Anindita Paul, Dawor Hazarika and Achurjya Borpatragohain.
Instrumental performances by musicians including Sunita Bhuyan and Rupam Talukdar are also planned.
The combination of national and regional performers is intended to highlight the influence of Hazarika's music beyond Assam and bring together different musical traditions on one platform.
Around 1,000 Artistes and 1,000 Students to Participate
One of the major attractions of the programme will be the participation of approximately 1,000 artistes from Assam. These performers were also associated with the inaugural event of the birth centenary celebrations.
They are expected to join national and regional musicians in a collective performance of Hazarika's iconic composition, Manuhe Manuhor Babe, along with We Are in the Same Boat, Brother.
The programme will also include around 1,000 college students from Assam who are involved in music and cultural activities. The state's Education Department is coordinating their participation, and a special train has been arranged to transport the students to New Delhi.
The participation of young students is expected to provide an opportunity for the next generation to connect with Hazarika's musical heritage. Their involvement also reflects the state's effort to preserve and promote his compositions among younger audiences.
The overall audience capacity of the venue is expected to be approximately 5,000 people. The programme will also include distinguished guests, representatives from different states and other personalities associated with Indian culture.
A Tribute to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika's Musical Legacy
Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam. He became one of India's most influential singer-composers and cultural personalities through his work in music, poetry, cinema and social commentary.
Popularly known as Sudhakantha, Hazarika created songs that addressed themes such as humanity, equality, social harmony and universal brotherhood. His compositions connected with audiences across linguistic and geographical boundaries.
His music was deeply rooted in Assamese culture but also reached listeners across India and internationally. Several of his compositions became widely recognised for their emotional depth and messages about society and human relationships.
Hazarika received numerous honours during his lifetime and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 2019.
The birth centenary celebrations were organised to recognise his contribution to music, literature, cinema and Indian cultural heritage. The November 29 event in New Delhi is intended to bring these celebrations to a national-level conclusion.
Event Expected to Bring Together Cultural Leaders and Admirers
Apart from musicians and students, the ceremony is expected to attract Governors, Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, ambassadors and representatives of political parties. Other distinguished personalities associated with Hazarika's legacy are also expected to be invited.
The programme will provide a platform to showcase Assam's cultural identity and introduce Hazarika's artistic contributions to a wider audience.
By opening registration to people outside Assam and to admirers living abroad, the state government is seeking to make the event accessible to a broader group of people. However, attendance will depend on the approval of applications and the availability of seats.
The online registration facility, free entry arrangement and planned participation of prominent artistes are expected to attract considerable interest.
The November 29 finale will therefore serve not only as the conclusion of the centenary celebrations but also as a major cultural tribute to Dr. Bhupen Hazarika's enduring influence on Indian music and society.
