Thousands mourn iconic Assam singer Zubeen Garg as state prepares cremation with honours

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Guwahati, the capital of Assam, on Monday to mourn the death of singer-composer Zubeen Garg, who drowned on 19 September in Singapore while performing at a live concert. Assam’s chief minister said Garg’s cremation would be held on Tuesday with state honours after a second autopsy to rule out foul play, as the state declared three days of mourning. Prominent politicians, musicians and fans across the region traveled to Guwahati to pay their last respects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned Garg on X, saying he would be remembered for his “rich contribution to music.” Garg’s body had arrived in Guwahati on 21 September, fueling a wave of grief across Assam and neighboring states.

Garg’s rise to stardom began when he was 19 and still in college. His first music album, Anamika, released in 1992, became an instant chartbuster. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he sang in more than 40 languages and dialects, and his Hindi-language track Ya Ali from the 2006 film Gangster helped him gain national fame. His versatility allowed him to blend rock with regional folk styles, and he became a fixture of Assam’s cultural life, particularly during Bihu, when large crowds would gather for his live performances.

He was not only a singer but also an actor and director. By 2000 Garg had expanded into Assamese cinema with the movie Tumi Mor Matho Mor, and his face was regularly seen on billboards across the state. Fans describe him as a culture-defining figure who bridged generations, with a persona that included fashion-forward looks and a fearless willingness to speak his mind about social issues.

Beyond his music, Garg was known for his activism. He repeatedly condemned violence by separatist groups and used his platform to advocate for social issues. In 2019 he played a notable role in mobilising people against a controversial citizenship law, and in 2024 he joined Guwahati residents protesting government plans to cut trees for a new flyover. He also opened channels for public service, recalling a 2020 Covid-19 period when he offered his apartment to the government for use as an isolation centre. Admirers say he never hesitated to help others, even at personal risk or cost.

“He feared nobody. He spoke his heart out. And he was extremely generous,” said Bimugdha Goswami, a fan who was among those gathered in Guwahati, underscoring the deep bond Garg built with his audience over the years. Garg’s fan clubs, which organized extensive outreach across cities and districts, remain active as tributes are organized in his memory.

As crowds remained, organizers and fans noted that the same clubs that supported Garg’s charitable activities for decades are now coordinating vigils, performances and tributes across the region. The community’s response reflected Garg’s status as a cultural icon whose appeal crossed age groups and linguistic communities. His death marks a significant moment for Assam’s music scene, which had long embraced his blend of regional and national influences.

The timeline surrounding Garg’s death shows a swift movement of his body from Singapore to Guwahati. Authorities said a second autopsy would be conducted to rule out foul play, and the cremation will be performed with state honours as part of the three days of mourning declared by the state government. The public reaction has been widespread, with messages of condolence pouring in from political leaders, fellow artists and fans across India.

In reflecting on Garg’s impact, observers say his work helped shape a generation of Assamese listeners while also reaching audiences outside the region through multilingual songs and crossover collaborations. His legacy is seen not only in his recordings and films but also in the philanthropic and community efforts linked to his public persona. The full details of the funeral arrangements and any additional tributes are expected to unfold in the coming hours and days as the state honours proceed.