On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the vibrant city of Guwahati was enveloped in a profound sorrow as countless fans, from all walks of life, converged to bid a final farewell to their beloved Assamese singer-composer, Zubeen Garg.
Thousands of heartfelt mourners lined the thoroughfares, showering blossoms upon the ambulance carrying the artist’s mortal remains. The solemn procession made its way from Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport to his residence in Kahilipara, some 25 kilometers distant. Earlier, his body had arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi from Singapore late Saturday night, where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita were present to pay their respects.
A poignant scene unfolded at the Guwahati airport around 7 a.m. when Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, was overcome with emotion upon receiving his body. The convoy accompanying him fittingly included his cherished open jeep.
To accommodate the overwhelming number of admirers, many of whom traveled from distant districts, Zubeen Garg’s mortal remains were subsequently placed at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah sports complex, located halfway between his home and the airport. “The desire of more and more people to see our dear Zubeen one last time is deeply understood. Therefore, we have decided to keep the stadium open through tonight, and his mortal remains will remain there on Monday for further homage,” stated the Chief Minister.
Final Resting Place Chosen
Following consultations with Zubeen Garg’s family, the State Cabinet designated Hatimura in Sonapur, approximately 30 km east of Guwahati, as the site for his last rites, which are scheduled for September 23.
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu elaborated, “The Chief Minister tasked us with discussing the cremation ground with the Garg family. While his wife acknowledged the fervent request from the people of Jorhat to bring his body there, she noted that Zubeen’s elderly, ailing father would be unable to make the journey. After considering several potential locations in Guwahati and Jorhat, the family ultimately chose Sonapur. Discussions for establishing memorials for this cultural icon in Jorhat, Guwahati, and other significant places can be taken up at a later stage.”
Throughout the emotional journey through Guwahati’s streets, fans passionately sang his timeless songs and echoed chants of “Joi Zubeen da” (Hail Zubeen brother). Many clutched traditional Assamese gamosas, specially woven with the poignant message “ZG (Zubeen Garg) Forever.”
Clarifying the Singapore Trip
Addressing the controversy surrounding Zubeen Garg’s trip to Singapore amidst reports of his health, organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta clarified that the singer’s primary purpose for visiting the island nation was for relaxation and to connect with members of the Assam Association residing there. The North East India Festival, originally slated to commence on September 19, was regrettably canceled after Garg’s tragic death while swimming in the sea without a life jacket.
“His visit to Singapore wasn’t solely for the festival; he had his own personal itinerary,” Mr. Mahanta informed agencies, emphasizing the voluntary nature of the trip.
Meanwhile, the Assam government has launched a Crime Investigation Department probe into Garg’s death. Multiple First Information Reports have been lodged against Mr. Mahanta and the singer’s manager, Siddharth Sarma, citing allegations of negligence leading to the tragedy.
Future Tributes Planned
Devajit Saikia, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), announced that the Assam Cricket Association plans to host a 40-minute tribute program for Zubeen Garg during the opening ceremony of the Women’s World Cup Cricket in Guwahati on September 30. “Assam is in mourning, and Zubeen Garg truly merits this respect. The BCCI might collaborate for this special program dedicated to him,” Saikia added.
Further south, in Silchar, Assam, members of the North East Integration Rally also expressed deep sorrow over the singer’s demise. “Zubeen was a fervent advocate for the integration of northeast India. With a staggering discography of over 38,000 songs in nearly 40 languages, his monumental contribution to society and culture is truly immense, perhaps even underestimated by many,” shared Biswadeep Gupta, the rally’s founder.