Legendary singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away on September 19, had predicted the impact his death would have on his home state of Assam during his last podcast with novelist-author Rita Chowdhury. Reflecting on his years in Mumbai, he said, “I stayed in Mumbai for 12 years, I got bored of the city life… A king should never leave his kingdom. There is no king there. But if I die here in Assam, Assam will remain closed for 7 days.” He also spoke candidly about his personality and choices, noting that his straightforward nature sometimes intimidated people in the industry, including notable figures like Rohit Shetty and Pritam.
Following Garg’s death, the Assam government declared three days of official mourning from September 20 to 22, suspending all entertainment, public celebrations, and ceremonial events. Additionally, September 22 and 23 were declared dry days, with liquor outlets remaining closed as a mark of respect for the legendary singer. Thousands of fans paid homage to him, demonstrating the deep impact he had on the state’s cultural landscape.
Garg was cremated with full state honours at Kamarkuchi on the outskirts of Guwahati, with his sister, Palme Borthakur, lighting the funeral pyre and his wife, Garima Saikia, visibly in tears. Prior to the cremation, his mortal remains were displayed at the Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Sarusajai, allowing fans and well-wishers to pay their final respects. The outpouring of grief highlighted the profound connection Zubeen Garg shared with his fans and the state of Assam.
