Popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, who tragically died on September 19 in an accident, now under probe, in Singapore, received an emotional farewell as his mortal remains arrived in Guwahati on Sunday morning. The 52-year-old artiste had travelled to Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival scheduled for September 20 and 21.
The Final Journey of #BelovedZubeen https://t.co/aHLZSzBIb2
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 21, 2025
At Guwahati airport, people including airport staff and fellow passengers gathered near the runway, breaking down in tears as the singer’s body was brought home. Fans held their phones aloft to capture the poignant moment, marking the beginning of his final journey.
If there was one visual that captures the essence of the word “sea of humanity” – this would be it#BelovedZubeen pic.twitter.com/rLQvb7CazN
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 21, 2025
Later, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to X and said, “More and more people wish to see our beloved Zubeen one last time, and we deeply understand these sentiments. Therefore, Bhogeswar Baruah Stadium will remain open throughout the night today for the public to pay their respects to Zubeen. Tomorrow also, the mortal remains of Zubeen will be kept at Sarusajai for people to offer their homage.”
Assam Mourns Its Music Icon
Thousands of grieving fans flooded the streets of Guwahati to pay their last respects to the singer who mesmerised audiences for over three decades with more than 38,000 songs across 40 languages and dialects. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a video of the farewell on X, showing crowds singing his beloved songs in unison.
Sarma also revealed details surrounding Garg’s death. He said, “Zubeen died while swimming without a life jacket.” The Chief Minister added that Singapore authorities would question those who accompanied him. According to Sarma, a video showed Garg initially jumping into the sea with a life jacket before removing it for a second dive, citing discomfort while swimming.
The Chief Minister also inspected the cremation site, stating, “Zubeen Garg’s farewell will reflect his legacy.”
Final Tributes
Before cremation, Zubeen’s mortal remains will be kept at his Kahilipara residence for about one and a half hours to allow family members, including his ailing 85-year-old father, to bid farewell. Later, his body will be taken to the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, where the public can pay homage from 9 am to 7 pm.
The outpouring of grief in Assam reflects the deep imprint Zubeen Garg left on the cultural and musical landscape of the region.
