KKN Gurugram Desk | The Indian music industry mourns the untimely demise of Gayatri Hazarika, a celebrated voice in Assamese music, who passed away on Friday at the age of 44. The singer was undergoing treatment for colon cancer at Nemcare Hospital in Guwahati, where she breathed her last. Known for her timeless melody ‘Zora Pate Pate Phagun Name’, Gayatri leaves behind a legacy etched in the heart of Assamese culture.

Her death has triggered a wave of grief across the regional and national music community, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, artists, filmmakers, and thousands of fans.

A Voice That Defined Modern Assamese Music

Gayatri Hazarika was widely regarded as one of the most soulful contemporary singers in Assam. With a career that spanned over two decades, her songs resonated with audiences for their emotional depth, poetic lyrics, and timeless melodies.

She rose to prominence with hits like:

• “Zora Pate Pate Phagun Name” – a widely recognized cultural anthem in Assam

• “Tumi Kun Birohi Ananya”

• “Jank Nasal Bonot”

• “Jeuji Expon”

Her contributions to Assamese music reflect a synthesis of tradition and modernity, making her a household name not just in Assam, but also among the global Assamese diaspora.

Cause of Death: Battling Colon Cancer

According to hospital sources, Gayatri had been diagnosed with colon cancer over a year ago and was undergoing regular treatment. Her health reportedly deteriorated earlier this month, leading to hospitalization.

Despite the best efforts by medical professionals at Nemcare Hospital, she succumbed to the illness on May 16, 2025. The final rites are expected to be performed in Guwahati, with family, fans, and cultural dignitaries expected to attend.

Public Reaction: Assam Grieves Its Musical Jewel

The passing of Gayatri Hazarika has left an emotional vacuum in the Assamese artistic community. Several eminent personalities took to social media to express their sorrow and reflect on her impact.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Tribute

The Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, offered heartfelt condolences through an official post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle:

“HCM Dr. @himantabiswa has expressed profound grief over the demise of renowned singer Mrs. Gayatri Hazarika. Her soulful voice and enduring contribution to Assamese music will always be remembered. He prayed for the peace of her soul and extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family.”

The message resonated with thousands of followers, highlighting Gayatri’s significance as a cultural icon in the state.

Political and Cultural Leaders Join in Mourning

Atul Bora, President of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP):

“Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Gayatri Hazarika. Her emotional voice enriched Assamese music and touched countless hearts. A huge loss. My condolences to her family and fans. Om Shanti!”

Actress & Filmmaker Amy Barua:

“Gayatri Hazarika’s sweet voice and natural grace mesmerized Assam for years — including me. ‘Sorpate Pate Phagun Name’ echoed across many of my springs. With her departure, there’s a deep silence. Though physically gone, her voice will continue to illuminate our lives. Praying for her soul and sending heartfelt condolences to her family and fans.”

Career Retrospective: More Than Just a Singer

Gayatri Hazarika was not only a singer but also a cultural ambassador of Assamese identity. Her ability to capture local themes, emotions, and nature in her music helped bridge generational gaps in music appreciation.

Her style was known for:

• Natural vocal clarity

• Emotional storytelling through song

• Emphasis on Assamese cultural identity

• Collaborations with poets, writers, and classical musicians

Gayatri frequently performed at cultural festivals, state functions, and international Assamese community events, making her a pillar of the regional music industry.

Awards and Recognition

Although not driven by awards, Gayatri received several honors during her career:

• Assam Music Award for Best Female Vocalist

• Sahitya Sabha Cultural Recognition

• State Excellence Award for Contribution to Music

• Lifetime Achievement Felicitation by regional music academies

Many fans and experts believed her voice to be “the sound of Assamese spring”, particularly due to the popularity of her seasonal song anthems.

Music Legacy: Why Her Songs Will Live Forever

Songs like “Zora Pate Pate Phagun Name” are often played during Bohag Bihu celebrations, weddings, and cultural events in Assam. These songs don’t just entertain — they represent identity, memory, and tradition.

With the rise of digital platforms, Gayatri’s music found new audiences:

• YouTube viewership in millions

• Spotify and JioSaavn playlists featuring her top tracks

• Regular airplay on regional FM and AIR channels

Her music has even been included in academic curriculums in Assam for its literary and cultural richness.

Colon Cancer in India: A Rising Concern

While reporting the tragic demise of Gayatri Hazarika, it is important to highlight the increasing prevalence of colon cancer among Indian women. Colon cancer, once considered rare in India, is now on the rise due to:

• Sedentary lifestyles

• Poor dietary habits

• Late-stage diagnosis due to lack of awareness

Gayatri’s battle with this illness has sparked conversations about the need for early detection, routine screening, and public education around cancer awareness, especially in the northeast where healthcare access remains a challenge.

Condolences From Fans Worldwide

Thousands of fans from across India and the world have expressed condolences:

• YouTube comment sections flooded with memorials

• Instagram reels using her iconic songs

• Fan art and tribute videos going viral

• Live tribute concerts being organized by cultural groups

This widespread mourning signifies how deeply her voice impacted people’s personal and cultural lives.

The Cultural Gap Left Behind

Assam has lost not just a singer but a cultural storyteller. Gayatri’s ability to revive traditional melodies with modern resonance gave Assamese music its timeless quality. Her absence leaves a creative and emotional void, which artists and audiences alike are struggling to accept.

Cultural critics argue that more institutional support is needed for regional artists, especially women, to ensure that talents like Gayatri are nurtured, protected, and remembered beyond their prime years.

Gayatri Hazarika’s journey may have ended too soon, but her voice lives on in every Assamese home, every Bihu celebration, and every memory that has ever danced to her melodies. She was not just a singer — she was an emotion, a bridge between generations, and a voice that brought comfort, joy, and identity to millions.