NEW DELHI: Assam is in mourning following the untimely death of Zubeen Garg, a beloved singer, composer, and cultural icon. Garg passed away on September 19 in Singapore due to a swimming accident. He was 52 years old.
The tragic news has left fans and admirers across India and beyond in deep sorrow.
Zubeen Garg was in Singapore to perform at the North East Festival when the incident occurred.
According to reports, Garg was swimming in the sea without a life jacket when he experienced a seizure and drowned.
He was administered CPR and rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead in the intensive care unit around 2:30 PM IST.
A Final Farewell
In a poignant farewell, over 15 lakh (1.5M) fans gathered at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati to pay their last respects to Zubeen Garg.
The stadium was filled with mourners who sang his songs and shared memories of the artist who had touched their lives.
The gathering was so massive that it was recognized by the Limca Book of Records as the fourth-largest public gathering for a funeral, following those of Michael Jackson, Pope Francis, and Queen Elizabeth II.
The funeral procession was attended by dignitaries, including an official envoy from the King of Bhutan, who came to pay tribute to the legendary singer.
The cause of death was officially confirmed as drowning, according to the death certificate issued by Singapore authorities.
However, due to public demand for transparency, the Assam government ordered a second post-mortem, which was conducted at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital.
A Legacy Remembered
Zubeen Garg’s contributions to music and culture are immeasurable. He had a prolific career, singing over 9,000 songs in various languages, including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and several South Indian languages. His songs resonated with people across generations, and his untimely demise has left a void in the music industry.
In recognition of his immense popularity and influence, the Assam government has announced plans to construct memorials in both Guwahati and Jorhat, his hometown. Additionally, his ashes will be immersed in the Brahmaputra River, as per his wishes.
As Assam and the world bid farewell to Zubeen Garg, his music and legacy will continue to inspire and connect people for generations to come.
