Assam Weeps for Zubeen Garg: A Cultural Icon’s Final Journey Turns State into a Sea of Mourning
Assam has rarely witnessed such grief. When the body of Zubeen Garg — the state’s most beloved cultural icon — reached Guwahati airport on Sunday morning, two days after his untimely death at the age of 52 in Singapore, the city fell silent in sorrow.
Streets that would normally be buzzing with life transformed into pathways of mourning, lined with thousands of people waiting with folded hands, candles, and tears in their eyes.
As Assam’s “favourite son” began his final journey, his flower-decked coffin moved slowly through Guwahati, accompanied by a sea of mourners. Men, women, children, and even the elderly crowded every lane, every turn, desperate for one last glimpse of the man who had given them their anthems, their comfort, and their identity.
A State in Collective Grief
Zubeen Garg was not just a singer. He was a songwriter, actor, filmmaker, philanthropist, and above all, a unifier of people. His sudden passing in Singapore on Friday afternoon, where he had gone for the Northeast India Festival, left Assam shaken to its core.
Almost immediately, an outpouring of grief swept across the state — shops shut down, neighbourhoods turned into makeshift memorials, and his songs echoed from every street corner, from dawn till late at night.
Guwahati itself became a living shrine. Portraits, flowers, lamps, and music filled the air.
Everywhere, one song stood out as a collective prayer: “Mayabini Ratir Bukut” — a haunting melody that Zubeen himself had once dreamed would be sung by all of Assam upon his death. True to his words, it has now become a hymn of remembrance, sung by grieving fans in gatherings that lasted well into the night.
The Journey Home
On Sunday morning, when his remains finally landed at Guwahati airport around 6.30 am, his wife, Garima Saikia Gar, received the coffin. By then, the airport and surrounding areas were already filled with thousands who had camped overnight.
As the hearse carrying Zubeen’s body began its 25-km journey to his family home in Kahilipara, it was met with an unending tide of humanity.
What should have been a one-hour journey took over five hours, slowed by mourners blocking the roads, showering flowers, and chanting his name.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma later announced that Zubeen’s body would remain at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Sarusajai through Sunday night and all of Monday, so that countless fans could pay their final respects.
“There Will Never Be Another Zubeen Da”
Across Assam, the refrain was the same — “There can never be another Zubeen da.” His fans, young and old, recalled not only his music but also his humanity.
“He brought people together, regardless of religion, caste, or background. Everyone was his fan. He was a unifying force, and this will never happen again,” said 30-year-old Suraj Choudhury, who waited since morning at Sarusajai stadium to pay his respects.
For many, Zubeen was not just an artist but an inseparable part of their childhood and youth. His debut album, Anamika, in 1992 marked the beginning of a new era in Assamese music.
His rebellious energy, coupled with the explosion of television and radio, made him an instant superstar. Over the decades, he recorded thousands of songs — for love, heartbreak, celebrations, Bihu festivals, and even protests.
“Music in Assam is Zubeen,” said 25-year-old Sadhna Thakuria. “From the time I have been aware of music, there has always been Zubeen da.
He gave his wealth to the people, and he gave his time to the poor. People came to his house with problems, and nobody left empty-handed. He was not just a singer — he was one of us.”
For 24-year-old Subrot Gogoi, there was always a Zubeen song for every moment. “If you’re happy, he had a song. If you’re sad, he has a song. If you’re in love or celebrating Bihu, he has a song. His music was dil se pura — straight from the heart.”
More Than a Star, A Symbol of Assam
What made Zubeen truly irreplaceable was his larger-than-life persona. He was eccentric, blunt, generous, and fearless in speaking his mind. He could sing soulful melodies one night and stand shoulder to shoulder with ordinary people in protest the next. He could fill stadiums with fans, but also give away his jacket to a poor man on the streets.
For millions, his life was a bridge between art and humanity. His songs gave voice to their deepest emotions; his actions gave hope to those who felt unheard. With his death, Assam feels not only the loss of a superstar but also the loss of its cultural heartbeat.
Editorial Reflection: Zubeen Garg and the Soul of Assam
Zubeen Garg was not just an individual; he was an idea, a living embodiment of Assam’s identity. Through his music and his words, he challenged conventions, broke barriers, and brought regional art into the national spotlight.
His songs were not merely entertainment — they became part of Assam’s collective consciousness, shaping the state’s cultural fabric for generations.
He was, in every sense, the voice of the people. In a society often divided by language, religion, and politics, Zubeen emerged as a unifying figure.
His art spoke in a language that transcended boundaries. His activism reminded the powerful that artists cannot be silenced. His generosity showed that fame can coexist with compassion.
In mourning Zubeen Garg, Assam is also grappling with the realization that it has lost a symbol of resilience, creativity, and unity. Yet, his legacy will not fade. His voice will continue to echo in homes, festivals, and gatherings.
His rebellious spirit will inspire young musicians to carve their own paths. His memory will remind Assam of its strength, its beauty, and its ability to rise above sorrow.
The pain of his untimely departure is immense, but so too is the pride of having had Zubeen Garg as its son. Assam may feel lost today, but it will always carry his voice in its heart — a voice that will never die.
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