Kamarkuchi, September 23, 2025: Assam’s beloved singer, composer, and cultural icon Zubeen Garg was laid to rest today with full state honours in his native village of Kamarkuchi, near Guwahati. The last rites of the legendary artist drew thousands of mourners, including family, friends, fans, and prominent dignitaries, who gathered to pay their final respects to a figure whose music and activism had touched the hearts of millions across Assam and the Northeast.
A Solemn Procession Through Guwahati
The day began with a deeply emotional procession from the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, where Zubeen Garg’s body had been kept for public tributes. Draped in a traditional Assamese gamosa and placed in a glass coffin, the singer’s remains were accompanied by his 85-year-old father, wife Garima Saikia Garg, and close family members. Thousands of fans lined the streets of Guwahati, some singing his songs, others holding placards and banners in his honour. The atmosphere was a blend of grief and reverence, with many weeping openly as the procession made its way to the cremation ground.
Security was tight, with Assam Police ensuring smooth movement for the massive crowd. Despite the large gathering, the procession maintained a solemn dignity, with people from all walks of life joining together in tribute. Musicians, cultural activists, and fellow artists walked alongside fans, paying homage to the man who had become a symbol of Assamese pride.
Emotional Farewell at Kamarkuchi
At the cremation site in Kamarkuchi, the mood was deeply emotional. Assam Police honoured Zubeen Garg with a ceremonial 21-gun salute, an extraordinary tribute rarely extended to civilians. Family members performed the final rites in accordance with tradition. Zubeen’s sister, Palmee Borthakur, lit the funeral pyre as the crowd chanted his name and sang his popular songs. His wife, Garima, was visibly overcome with grief, breaking down multiple times during the cremation rituals, a moment that underscored the profound personal loss behind the public mourning.
Fans and fellow artists organized an impromptu musical tribute at the cremation ground, singing Zubeen’s iconic songs including “Mayabini,” a personal favourite of the singer. The performance transformed the funeral into a celebration of his life and work, reflecting the profound impact Zubeen had on Assamese music and culture. Many attendees spoke of how his songs had been a source of comfort, joy, and cultural pride, creating a powerful shared sense of loss and remembrance.
State and National Recognition
The Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the cremation site to oversee arrangements and pay his respects. Expressing his sorrow, he remarked, “Zubeen Garg shall remain eternal in our hearts. His music and activism will continue to inspire generations.” The state government had earlier declared that Zubeen Garg would be cremated with full state honours, following discussions with both the family and cabinet members. While there had been public calls for the funeral to be held in Jorhat, the family preferred Kamarkuchi. As a compromise, plans were made for Zubeen’s ashes to be immersed in Jorhat, with memorials to be constructed at both sites.
In addition to the Chief Minister, several other political figures, bureaucrats, and prominent personalities attended the funeral, offering condolences and participating in the ceremonies. Their presence highlighted the widespread recognition of Zubeen Garg’s contributions to culture, society, and public life in Assam and beyond.
A Record-Breaking Gathering
The scale of the funeral was unprecedented in Assam. Reports suggest that the gathering was one of the largest public funerals ever held in the region, drawing tens of thousands of people. The event reportedly entered the Limca Book of Records as the fourth-largest public gathering globally for a funeral, joining the ranks of monumental farewells like those of Michael Jackson and Pope Francis. Fans traveled from across India and even neighboring countries to be part of the procession, underscoring Zubeen Garg’s far-reaching influence and the deep affection he inspired.
Remembering a Cultural Icon
Zubeen Garg was more than a singer; he was a cultural phenomenon. His versatile musical career spanned decades, during which he released countless hit songs in Assamese, Hindi, and other regional languages. Beyond music, he was known for his activism, particularly his advocacy for the people of Assam and the Northeastern region. His sudden passing has left a void in Assam’s cultural and social landscape, and the outpouring of grief reflects the deep connection the public felt with him.
Artists, musicians, and cultural groups paid tribute through performances, speeches, and social media posts, celebrating his legacy and influence. Many emphasized that his work had brought Assamese music to national and international attention, inspiring a new generation of artists and fans alike.
Legacy and Tributes
Throughout the day, fans placed flowers, garlands, and photographs at the cremation site, creating a heartfelt tribute that reflected the magnitude of his impact. Several cultural organizations announced plans to hold commemorative events in his memory, while educational institutions proposed music scholarships in his name to nurture young talent.
Zubeen Garg’s family, including his wife and children, received condolences from across the country. The emotional scenes of Garima Garg with their family pets by her side during the ceremony became emblematic of the personal loss felt by those closest to him, while the public honoured the artist with their collective grief and admiration.
As Assam mourns the loss of one of its most cherished sons, the legacy of Zubeen Garg is already being enshrined in memorials, music, and public memory. The combination of traditional rites, musical tributes, and state honours provided a fitting farewell for a man whose life and work transcended the ordinary.
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The funeral of Zubeen Garg stands as a testament to the profound influence he had on Assamese culture, music, and society. From the packed streets of Guwahati to the cremation ground at Kamarkuchi, the event reflected the unity and respect he inspired among diverse communities. As the flames consumed the pyre, fans and family alike vowed to carry forward his legacy, ensuring that his songs, his activism, and his spirit will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Zubeen Garg’s final journey was not only a farewell but also a celebration of a life that brought joy, inspiration, and pride to Assam. In music, memory, and heart, Zubeen Garg remains eternal.
