Guwahati, September 23: Assam came to a standstill on Tuesday as lakhs gathered at Kamarakuchi, Sonapur, to bid their final farewell to legendary singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, who was cremated with full state honours. The 52-year-old artiste, revered for his music, films, and unifying presence across communities, was laid to rest in a ceremony steeped in emotion and reverence.
The rites began with a guard of honour and a 21-gun salute by Assam Police, marking the state’s highest respect for the man who gave voice to generations. In a poignant moment, Garg’s sister Pami Borthakur, along with family members Arun Garg and Rahul Gautam Sharma, lit the funeral pyre. As the flames rose, Garg’s own timeless ballad Mayabini echoed across the grounds, turning the farewell into a final communion with the voice that defined an era.
The atmosphere was both silent and electric—chants of “Joi Zubeen Da” rippled through the crowd as lakhs of fans, many in tears, held their phones high to capture a last glimpse of their beloved icon. For many, it felt like one final concert, one last chance to celebrate the man whose art had touched every household in Assam.
Zubeen’s wife Garima Saikia Garg, father Kapil Borthakur, and other close family members stood alongside the grieving masses, offering their heartfelt tributes. Assam’s tribute extended beyond its people—Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led the state in paying respects, joined by Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Kiren Rijiju, and Pabitra Margherita, Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, and Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s condolences were conveyed through Minister Rijiju, while representatives from Arunachal Pradesh also attended.
The farewell also saw participation from leading student and cultural organisations, including ABSU, AASU, AJYCP, AATSA, AKRASU, the Karbi Sattra Association, the Sutiya Students’ Association, and the Assam Sahitya Sabha. Colleagues and artistes from the cultural fraternity—among them Papon, Jatin Bora, J.P. Das, and members of Garg’s band—stood shoulder to shoulder with fans in collective mourning.
