"Krishna Was a Man, Not God," Says Zubeen Garg

Majuli, Assam - April 23, 2024: The 66th Central Rongali Bihu Sammelan in Majuli witnessed a stir of controversy when renowned musician Zubeen Garg questioned the divine status of Satradhikars during his acceptance speech. Organized by Puberun Kala Parishad, the three-day event held at Garhmoor Mini Stadium honored Garg with the prestigious 'Sangeet Sindhu' title by the Satradhikar of Garhmoor Satra.

However, Garg's remarks about Satradhikars as divine figures sparked strong reactions both locally and on social media. In his speech, he expressed discomfort with the practice of addressing Satradhikars as gods, stating, "Common people refer to the Satradhikars as Lord. It is not acceptable at all. Krishna was never God... he was a man."

The video of Garg's speech quickly went viral, stirring debate and drawing criticism from various quarters, particularly within Satrapeeth Majuli. Many argued that his comments were disrespectful to the religious sentiments of the community.

In response to the backlash, Zubeen Garg issued an apology, attempting to clarify his stance and mitigate the controversy.

"As an artist, I respect all faiths and beliefs. My intention was not to hurt anyone's sentiments. I apologize if my words were misconstrued or offended anyone," Garg stated.

The incident has ignited discussions about the role of public figures in expressing their views on religious matters and the boundaries of free speech.

The controversy surrounding Zubeen Garg's remarks adds a new dimension to the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of religion, culture, and public discourse. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact Garg's reputation and the broader discourse on religious tolerance and freedom of expression in Assam and beyond.