Kaziranga’s Baby Elephant Named ‘Mayabini’ After Zubeen Garg’s Song
A new life has brought joy and emotion to Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, as a newborn female calf has been named Mayabini in memory of the late singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg. The name draws inspiration from Garg’s famous song “Mayabini Ratir Bukut” (meaning “magical night’s heart”), a melody that has long touched the hearts of Assamese people. The calf, born to an aged and beloved elephant named Kuwari, arrived at noon on October 4, coinciding with World Animal Day. Assam’s Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary announced the news on social media, sharing the excitement with the people of Assam. With immense affection and public goodwill, the authorities named her Mayabini, a symbol of new life, hope, and harmony in the wild, the stated.
The name holds deep emotional significance for fans of Zubeen Garg, whose song “Mayabini Ratir Bukut” was played during his last rites. Garg had once mentioned that he wished the song to be sung when he passed away, making this gesture even more meaningful for his admirers. The renowned singer, known for his soulful music and deep connection to Assam’s culture, passed away on September 19th in Singapore during a diving session, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
Kuwari, the proud mother elephant, has been an inseparable part of Kaziranga’s history for nearly four decades. She joined the forest department in 1986 and has served both the Central and Eastern ranges of the park. The Director of Kaziranga National Park, Sonali Ghosh, shared that Kuwari’s second calf’s birth brought immense happiness to the national park staff. Her earlier offspring, named Griharaj, was born several years ago and has grown under the park’s care. The arrival of Mayabini is being seen as a moment of hope and renewal for Kaziranga National Park, especially as it follows a period of mourning for Zubeen Garg’s sudden demise. The people of Assam, who revered the singer not just as a musician but as a voice of their identity, have welcomed this symbolic tribute. Many believe that naming the newborn Mayabini creates a spiritual connection between nature and culture, blending the essence of Assam’s music, emotion, and wilderness.
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continues to stand as one of India’s most significant wildlife conservation areas. The national park’s lush landscapes, rivers, and grasslands are home to a wide range of animals and birds, making it an essential part of India’s natural heritage. The Indian one-horned rhinoceros is one of the popular attractions of Kaziranga. Adding to the park’s recent list of positive developments, forest officials have also confirmed the sighting of a rare migratory bird species in the area after three years. The return of such birds marks the onset of the winter migration season and reflects Kaziranga’s improving ecological balance. Officials believe these sightings indicate that the park’s wetlands are regaining health and stability, which supports both resident and migratory species.
As Kaziranga celebrates the birth of Mayabini, visitors and wildlife lovers are reminded of the park’s enduring spirit – one that combines life, resilience, and cultural pride. The story of the newborn calf stands not just as a moment of celebration for wildlife enthusiasts but also as a tribute to Zubeen Garg, whose music continues to echo across Assam.
