A wave of profound grief and emotional outpouring swept through Guwahati on Saturday night as news spread of the tragic passing of Assam’s beloved music icon, Zubeen Garg. His fans, fondly calling him the ‘Voice of Assam,’ converged in immense numbers at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, anxiously awaiting the arrival of his mortal remains. The sheer intensity of their sorrow led to chaotic scenes, with hundreds breaking through multiple barricades in a desperate attempt to get closer to the airport building.
The emotional surge wasn’t confined to the airport. Similar heartfelt and overwhelming gatherings took place in front of Garg’s apartment in Kahilipara, where hundreds more mourned their cherished artist, effectively blocking the road leading to his residence. The state government has declared a three-day mourning period as a mark of respect for the departed singer.
Zubeen Garg tragically died in Singapore on Friday after an unfortunate incident while swimming in the sea without a life jacket. His body was flown to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi around midnight, where Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and other senior state officials, received it and paid their solemn tributes.
The situation at Guwahati airport escalated rapidly, necessitating police intervention. Security forces resorted to a baton-charge to manage the crowd after fans breached barricades, with reports indicating some even threw water bottles and attempted to damage police vehicles. Eventually, a combination of police action and appeals for calm from within the crowd helped restore some order.
Amidst the sorrow and chaos, another poignant sight emerged: many fans lining the road to the airport found solace in unity, singing Garg’s most popular songs, some strumming guitars, as they awaited his final journey home.
As the early hours of Sunday approached, a steady stream of artists and political leaders began arriving at the airport. Zubeen’s wife, Garima, was scheduled to receive her husband’s body. The plan is for the beloved singer’s remains to be taken to his residence upon arrival in Guwahati, where it will lie for approximately one-and-a-half hours, allowing family members, including his 85-year-old ailing father, to offer their last respects. Following this, the body will be moved to the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, where the public can pay homage from 9 AM to 7 PM.
Discussions are underway regarding the final rites. The state government is set to consult with Garg’s family and various organizations to finalize the details, with the Assam Cabinet meeting on Sunday evening to decide on the cremation venue.