An emotional sea of humanity flooded Guwahati as thousands gathered to pay their last respects to singer Zubeen Garg, who tragically passed away in Singapore.
Published: September 21, 2025 2:48 PM IST
An ocean of people filled the streets of Guwahati as Assam’s beloved son, Zubeen Garg, returned home for the final time. His mortal remains arrived at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, and from there, a river of people, grieving, chanting, and singing his songs, escorted him on his last journey.
From rooftops to roadside pavements, every corner of the city was packed with admirers. Young children held flowers, while elders wiped their tears. For many, this was not just a farewell but a moment of collective mourning for a man who had defined the soundtrack of their lives.
What did Assam CM say?
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared moving pictures on X (formerly Twitter), capturing the massive crowds that lined the streets. He wrote, “A sea of humanity, united in according a farewell to their favourite son. He lived like a king; he is being sent to the heavens like one.”
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 21, 2025
A sea of humanity, united in according a farewell to their favourite son.
He lived like a king, he is being sent to the heavens like one.#BelovedZubeen pic.twitter.com/Hcu3LcJKQp
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 21, 2025
Fans too echoed this sentiment. “Yes, he really lived like a king. He dared to accept the reality of death, too,” said one grieving admirer. Another urged authorities to honour him: “He will live forever in the hearts of 3.5 crore people of Assam. It’s time we honour him with a museum or a samadhi sthal in Guwahati.”
Watch video
How do fans remember him?
To millions across Assam and beyond, Zubeen was not just a singer but a cultural bridge. A fan tribute read: “The jewel of Assam, the heartthrob of millions, the cultural ambassador who bridged communities and generations, is no more.”
Others recalled how his music had been the soundtrack of their lives. “The melodies that once filled our homes, hearts, and celebrations are now memories etched forever. His laughter, his music, and his legacy remain eternal, a light that will guide and inspire generations to come. Om Shanti.”
About Zubeen Garg
On 19 September, Zubeen Garg tragically lost his life in Singapore in a scuba diving accident. He had travelled to the city for the North East India Festival, where he was scheduled to perform on September 20.
Known as a versatile artist, Zubeen sang in multiple languages, including Assamese, Hindi, and Bengali. His biggest nationwide recognition came with Ya Ali from the film Gangster (2006), a song that became an anthem and remains unforgettable for music lovers.
But beyond playback singing, Zubeen was celebrated as a composer, actor, and cultural icon who always stayed rooted in Assam. His journey reflected not just personal stardom but the collective pride of an entire region.
Highlights
- Thousands in Guwahati poured into the streets to bid farewell to Zubeen Garg.
- Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma called him a “king” and shared moving pictures of the crowd.
- The singer died in a scuba diving accident in Singapore, leaving behind a rich musical legacy.
