Zubeen Garg’s last rites held with State honours amid emotional farewell

The renowned Assamese artist’s body was cremated amid Vedic hymns, and his sister, Palme, along with close family members, lit the pyre. Fans poignantly fulfilled Garg’s final wish by singing his iconic song “Mayabini” as the ceremony commenced.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid their respects at the cremation ground. The Assam CM described a single photograph of the late singer as encapsulating his life and philosophy, emphasizing how Garg bridged communities through his music. A 21-gun salute by Assam Police honoured his immense contribution to regional and national music.

Earlier on Tuesday, a second post-mortem was conducted at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, following the initial examination in Singapore. Garg, who passed away on September 19 in Singapore, had traveled for the North East India Festival. Contrary to initial reports of a scuba diving accident, his wife, Garima Saikia, clarified that he suffered a fatal stroke while swimming without a life jacket. This tragic incident echoed a previous seizure episode in Singapore, which friends quickly managed by rushing him to the hospital.

Garg’s mortal remains first reached Delhi by special flight before being flown back to Guwahati on Sunday morning. Thousands lined the streets from Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport to his residence in Kahilipara for a final glimpse. During this procession, Garima broke down in tears, clutching her husband’s coffin and offering him an Assamese gamcha.

An FIR has been filed in Assam against event organizers and Garg’s manager, prompting a CID investigation ordered by the state government. In a heartfelt video appeal, Garima requested the withdrawal of the complaint against her husband’s manager to focus on honoring Garg’s legacy.

Born on November 18, 1972, in Tinsukia district, Zubeen Garg recorded over 38,000 songs across 40 languages and dialects. As one of Assam’s most celebrated artists and its highest-paid singer, his passing marks the end of an era in regional music and cultural unity.