.png)
When the Hills Sang for Zubeen: Jatinga Festival 2025 Blends Nature, Culture & Nostalgia
- rudrajeetlaskar
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
Haflong, Assam | 8-9th November 2025
Under the starry skies of Dima Hasao, the hills of Haflong echoed with melody, memory, and meaning — as the annual Jatinga Festival 2025 celebrated the union of nature, culture, and heartfelt tribute on 8th and 9th of November.
This year’s edition wasn’t just a festival — it was an emotion. And when singer Shaan took the stage and said, “Zubeen, I hope you heard me. Assam did, and they held me the way they would have held you,” the crowd responded with thunderous chants of “Justice for Zubeen Garg.” It was a moment that transcended performance — turning into a collective remembrance of Assam’s beloved music icon.
The Spirit of Jatinga
Held near the mystical village of Jatinga, known worldwide for its rare migratory bird phenomenon, the festival is an annual ode to Assam’s ecological wonders and ethnic heritage. Organized by the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, the two-day celebration drew locals, travellers, and artists to witness a blend of environmental awareness and vibrant cultural identity.
Jatinga, often called the “Land of the Falling Birds,” transforms every winter as migratory birds descend through the mist — a phenomenon that inspired generations of folklore and curiosity. The festival aligns itself with this natural spectacle, advocating for eco-tourism and bird conservation.
Nature Meets Culture
This year, the festival embraced a “Plastic-Free Celebration” theme, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability. Visitors enjoyed a lineup of local handicraft stalls, traditional food fests, and tribal dance performances from the Dimasa, Zeme, Kuki, and Khasi communities. From the rhythmic beat of indigenous drums to the delicate handwoven textiles, Jatinga offered a sensory journey into Assam’s hill traditions.
The festival also marked the return of the rare tiger bittern, spotted again in the region after nearly a decade — a sign of ecological recovery and hope for the local biodiversity.
A Musical Heartbeat
Music has always been the soul of Assam, and this year it found its emotional peak on the Jatinga stage.When Shaan performed Zubeen Garg’s timeless songs, the hills reverberated with emotion. “It felt like Zubeen was right there — in the wind, in the sound, in the love of the people,” said a fan from Silchar, eyes brimming with tears. The tribute became a unifying moment, reminding everyone that legends never truly leave — they echo in every heart that loved their art.
Why Jatinga Matters
Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Jatinga Festival stands as a symbol of unity in diversity — a space where environmental consciousness, tribal pride, and art coexist. It’s not just an event for visitors; it’s a reaffirmation of Assam’s identity.
As night fell over Haflong’s hills, lights shimmered through the fog — and birds glided silently overhead. Somewhere between the music and the mist, Assam found its harmony again.
In the heart of Dima Hasao, the Jatinga Festival once again proved — Assam doesn’t just celebrate festivals, it celebrates feelings
Comments