Thousands of fans in Assam gathered to pay their last respects to renowned singer Zubeen Garg, whose sudden demise has plunged the state into mourning. The singer’s mortal remains arrived in Guwahati on Sunday morning, September 21, drawing large crowds from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport to his residence in Kahilipara. Streets were lined with mourners, many singing his iconic songs and shedding tears for the cultural icon.
Garg, celebrated for his soulful voice and versatility, tragically passed away on September 19 in a scuba diving accident in Singapore while attending the Northeast Festival. His untimely death has left a profound void, particularly in Assam, where he was admired not only for his music but also for his contributions to Assamese culture and cinema.
Fans gathered outside his home to sing one of his favourite songs, Mayabini Ratir Bukut, fulfilling what is believed to have been one of his final wishes. Emotional scenes unfolded as his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, broke down while bidding him a final goodbye.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who travelled to Delhi to receive Garg’s body, expressed the collective grief of the state, stating that the singer had lived like a king and was being sent off like one. The state government declared three days of mourning, suspending all official entertainment and public celebrations during this period.
People lined rooftops, hung out of windows, and gathered at every street corner, chanting Zubeen Garg’s name and singing the songs that had once brought them joy, comfort, and pride. His mortal remains were kept at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex (Sarusajai Stadium) and were honoured with flower petals, gamosas, prayers, and folded hands, while many mourners wept openly, continuing to chant his name in tribute.
Zubeen Garg’s music and cultural contributions continue to resonate across generations, leaving behind a lasting legacy that transcends linguistic and regional boundaries.
