Assam’s beloved musical icon Zubeen Garg, whose soul-stirring voice lit up the hearts of millions as the ‘brightest star’ and ‘heartthrob’ of the new generation, was consigned to flames today in a poignant farewell ceremony. The 52-year-old national award-winning artist, known for his timeless renditions in Assamese, Hindi, and over 40 other languages, passed away on September 19 in Singapore, leaving an irreplaceable void in the state’s cultural fabric.
The funeral rites, conducted with full national honors at Hatimuria in Guwahati’s Sonapur area, drew thousands of grief-stricken fans, admirers, and dignitaries. Zubeen’s wife, fashion designer Garima Saikia Garg, and his father, Mohinimohan Borthakur, were present throughout the somber proceedings. Among the attendees were Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju (representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi), representatives from the Asom Sahitya Sabha and the All Assam Students’ Union, fellow artists, political leaders, and delegates from community organizations. 
In a traditional ceremony steeped in Assamese customs, Zubeen’s sister Pomy Borthakur performed the last rites, assisted by Rahul Gautam Sharma and Arun Garg. The event unfolded under heavy security, with crowds overflowing the venue as mourners paid their final respects to the man whose music transcended borders.
Tragic End in Singapore: Seizure During Swim Leads to Drowning
Zubeen Garg’s untimely death occurred on September 19 at Lazarus Island in Singapore, where he was vacationing ahead of a performance at the North East India Festival on September 20-21. According to his wife Garima, the singer, who had a history of epilepsy, suffered a severe seizure while swimming on his second dip into the sea. Wearing a life jacket, he lost control and drowned despite being rescued by companions and rushed to Singapore General Hospital. He was declared dead at 2:30 PM.
An initial post-mortem in Singapore on September 21 cited ‘drowning’ as the cause of death. Amid public speculation and doubts, the Assam government ordered a second autopsy in Guwahati on September 23, which confirmed complications from the seizure combined with drowning as the fatal factors. Garima emphasized that her husband was not scuba diving, as initially reported, but simply swimming – a claim that fueled early controversies.
Hero’s Welcome and Historic Public Homage to Zubeen Garg
Zubeen’s mortal remains arrived in Delhi from Singapore on the night of September 21, received by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, before being flown to Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The 25-kilometer procession from the airport to Sarusajai’s Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex on September 22 morning became a spectacle of collective grief. Lakhs of fans lined the streets, showering flowers and chanting his name, with a massive portrait of the singer mounted on an ambulance.
The sports complex remained open 24 hours for public viewing until early September 23, attracting lakhs from across Assam and beyond. Organizers described it as the ‘fourth largest tribute gathering for an artist in world history,’ underscoring Zubeen’s unparalleled influence.
State Mourning and Global Tributes
In response to the outpouring of sorrow, the Assam government declared a three-day state mourning period from September 21 to 23, canceling all official events and observing half-days in educational institutions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who sent Rijiju as his representative, tweeted: “Zubeen’s music is an integral part of Assam’s cultural identity; his contributions are immortal.” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi echoed, “His voice touched the soul of Assam.”
Tributes flooded in from Bollywood and beyond: Pritam, Vishal Dadlani, Armaan Malik, Papon, and Jubin Nautiyal shared heartfelt messages on social media. “Your music will echo in our hearts forever. A true talent gone too soon,” Nautiyal wrote. Fans from Bangladesh and Southeast Asia joined the chorus, while Kolkata’s Netaji Indoor Stadium observed a 30-second silence on September 21 during an event trailer launch.
Clouds of Controversy and Government Probe
Zubeen’s death sparked debates, with initial reports of a ‘scuba diving accident’ contradicted by Garima, who clarified it was swimming. Questions arose over whether alcohol was consumed beforehand during a party with fellow travelers, if he was coerced into the water, and how permission was granted despite his known epilepsy. A viral video showing him entering the water with a life jacket intensified scrutiny.
Cases have been filed against festival organizers Shyamkanu Mahanta and Zubeen’s manager Siddharth Sharma. Addressing the concerns, Chief Minister Sarma announced a CID investigation on September 22: “While Singapore’s autopsy noted drowning, the second exam confirms seizure complications. The CID probe will uncover the full truth through witness statements, medical records, and video analysis.” The government pledged a transparent report soon to dispel public doubts.
Born Zubeen Borthakur on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, he rose to fame with albums like Anamika (1992) and Bollywood hits like “Ya Ali” from Gangster (2006). Over three decades, he composed over 38,000 songs, acted in films, and championed Assamese pride. As Assam bids adieu to its “Zubeen Da,” his melodies promise to resonate eternally, a beacon for generations.