A life of music & humanity8 September 1926 – 5 November 2011
The highest civilian honourBharat Ratna · 2019
01 / THE MUSEUM A place of remembrance at Panjabari, Guwahati.
About the museum
A voice that lives on. A legacy to discover.
An intimate encounter with the life and creative world of one of India’s most celebrated cultural icons.
Situated within Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra at Panjabari, Guwahati, the museum preserves the life, achievements and cultural contributions of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika (1926–2011): singer, composer, lyricist, filmmaker and cultural ambassador.
Established as an expansion initiative of Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra Society, it brings together personal belongings, musical instruments, awards, honours, photographs, books and memorabilia. Each offers a glimpse into his extraordinary creative journey and the profound influence of his music on Assamese society and beyond.
Inaugurated during Dr. Hazarika’s lifetime, the museum holds a special place as a tribute he lived to see. Today, it introduces new generations to his artistic and humanitarian legacy.
The permanent collection
Objects that tell a life’s story.
Discover the personal and professional world of an artist whose voice became a powerful symbol of Assamese cultural identity.
01
Awards & honours
Prestigious awards, recognitions and commemorative objects reflecting his exceptional contributions to music, cinema and Indian culture.
02
Musical instruments
Instruments associated with his creative journey, offering a connection to his life as a musician and composer.
03
Personal belongings
Furniture, clothing and everyday objects that offer an intimate glimpse into the person behind the legendary voice.
04
Rare photographs
Photographs documenting performances, associations, important moments and milestones in his remarkable career.
05
Books & publications
Literary and documentary materials reflecting his artistic achievements, intellectual interests and cultural contributions.
06
Memorabilia
Objects and mementoes associated with his public life, achievements and enduring influence.
Musician. Poet. Composer. Filmmaker. A cultural ambassador whose work transcended geographical, linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Affectionately known as the Bard of the Brahmaputra and Sudhakantha, Dr. Hazarika used music to express humanity, equality, compassion, social justice and cultural unity.
His compositions drew inspiration from ordinary people, the landscapes and traditions of Assam, and the shared experiences of communities across India. Through his distinctive voice and meaningful lyrics, he transformed music into an expression of collective identity and human solidarity.
His contributions extended to cinema, literature and cultural engagement. His extraordinary achievements were recognised with honours including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Padma Bhushan and the Bharat Ratna.
Songs remembered across generations
Manuhe Manuhor BabeBistirno ParoreMoi Eti Jajabor
8 SEPTEMBER 1926
A remarkable life begins
Born in Assam, a future voice of music, poetry and cultural unity.
A LIFETIME OF CREATIVITY
Assam’s voice, a universal message
Music, films and literature connect regional traditions with shared human values.
5 NOVEMBER 2011
A legacy beyond a lifetime
Dr. Hazarika passes away, leaving a cultural legacy that continues to inspire artists and audiences.
2019
The Bharat Ratna
India’s highest civilian honour is conferred posthumously.
8 SEPTEMBER 2026
A new chapter of remembrance
The foundation stone for an expanded museum is laid on his birth centenary.
Inside the museum
A closer look at the collection.
Explore the spaces, personal objects and photographic memories preserved at the museum. Select a photograph to view it in detail.
20 photographs in the collection
Museum & spaces
A home for an enduring legacy
Museum & spaces
In the heart of Kalakshetra
Museum & spaces
The museum entrance
Awards & memorabilia
A lifetime of recognition
Awards & memorabilia
Honours of a cultural icon
Awards & memorabilia
Objects of remembrance
Personal belongings
Traces of everyday life
Personal belongings
The person behind the voice
Personal belongings
Books, furniture & memories
Personal belongings
A creative life, preserved
Personal belongings
Instruments & personal effects
Photographs & instruments
Moments from a remarkable journey
Photographs & instruments
A life documented
Photographs & instruments
Music, friendships & milestones
Photographs & instruments
An archive of cultural memory
Photographs & instruments
Faces & shared histories
Learning & visits
Discovering the legacy
Learning & visits
Stories for a new generation
Learning & visits
Learning through the collection
Museum & spaces
A space for reflection
Culture, education & connection
More than a memorial. A place to be inspired.
The museum occupies a special place within Kalakshetra as a tribute to one of Assam’s most influential cultural personalities. Its collections reveal the relationship between his artistic achievements and his lifelong commitment to humanity and social harmony.
For students, researchers, musicians, filmmakers and cultural enthusiasts, it offers an opportunity to explore how his work connected regional traditions with universal human values.
Above all, the museum celebrates the enduring power of music to unite communities, preserve cultural identity and inspire positive social change.
02 / LIVING HERITAGE Connecting a new generation with an extraordinary cultural life.
Expansion & development
Carrying the legacy forward.
As part of its continued commitment to preserving and promoting Dr. Hazarika’s extraordinary legacy, Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra is undertaking a major initiative to develop an expanded museum dedicated to his life, works and contributions.
With support from the Government of Assam, the foundation stone of the new museum was laid within the Kalakshetra campus on 8 September 2026, coinciding with his birth centenary.
The proposed complex will comprise interconnected multi-storey buildings, creating enhanced spaces for preservation, exhibition and interpretation. The initiative seeks to establish a lasting centre of remembrance, cultural appreciation and learning, so that his timeless music and humanitarian ideals continue to inspire generations.
₹35.37 croreApproximate estimated investment
3.26 bighasApproximate proposed museum site
Visitor information
Discover the man behind the music.
Find the museum within Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra at Panjabari, Guwahati, Assam.
For current museum opening hours, admission details and group visits, please contact Kalakshetra before travelling.
