Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, saying the artist would “live forever” in the hearts of the people of Assam.
In a post on X, Sarma reflected on why Zubeen was so deeply loved across the state. “His music spoke directly to our emotions and embraced Assam’s diversity. His bravado was legendary—he was a born rebel, unapologetic in his opinions. But above all, he was one of the kindest and most helpful souls to walk this planet. Zubeen will live forever,” he wrote.
Zubeen Garg was cremated with full state honours on Tuesday at Kamarkuchi near Guwahati. The ceremony drew thousands of grieving fans and admirers, who gathered to bid farewell to the artist affectionately known as “Goldie.” His sister, Palme Borthakur, performed the final rites, while his wife, Garima Saikia, was seen in tears. The state accorded a gun salute as part of the honours.
Before the funeral, Garg’s mortal remains were kept at the Bhogesawar Baruah Sports Complex to allow fans and well-wishers to pay their respects. Chief Minister Sarma and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju were among those who paid floral tributes.
The Assam government declared three days of state mourning, with all official entertainment and public celebrations suspended. Sarma, who was present at the cremation, said in another post, “The last time that I got to see #BelovedZubeen. From now on, he will live in Assam’s soul, mind and heart.”
The 52-year-old singer died in Singapore on Friday in a drowning incident while attending the Northeast India Festival. His body was flown to Delhi and then to Guwahati on Sunday. The news of his death sparked a wave of grief, with condolences pouring in nationwide.
Known as Assam’s cultural icon, Zubeen Garg was more than just a singer—he was a composer, music director, actor, and filmmaker. Over a career spanning three decades, he performed thousands of songs in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and other Indian languages. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Garg could play 12 instruments, including tabla, guitar, harmonium, dotara, dhol, drums, and mandolin.