Assam’s icon Zubeen Garg’s body was consigned to flames, amid chanting of Vedic hymns in the sylvan surroundings of Kamarkuchi on the outskirts of Assam’s Guwahati. His sister Palme Borthakur and music composer Rahul Gautam, a protege of the singer, lit the pyre, amid gun salutes. They went around the pyre seven times as priests guided them, and all present at the site stood up. From the early morning hours, the streets bore testament to the deep bond between Zubeen and the people. Thousands lined the funeral procession route, showering flowers and whispering prayers, grappling with the stark reality that the voice which had once filled every corner of their lives was now silenced forever. The air was thick with sorrow as many wept openly, while others stood rooted in disbelief, unable to come to terms with the loss of not just an artist, but a symbol of their cultural identity.
At the cremation ground, Zubeen’s immediate family stood closest to the pyre, their grief raw and palpable. His wife Garima Saikia Garg, father, sister, and close relatives held one another, seeking strength amidst the crushing pain. Their tears were not only for the loss of a revered singer but also for the beloved man who was the heart and soul of their family. Around them, fans and well-wishers from distant places mirrored their anguish, unified in a shared mourning. The scene was a poignant reminder of Zubeen Garg’s transcending influence. Political leaders, student unions, and cultural organizations converged at Hatimura to pay homage. Representatives from the All Tai Ahom Students’ Union, All Bodo Students’ Union, Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association, All-Assam Chutia Students’ Union, and All Koch-Rajbongshi Students’ Union, along with artist forums and the Zubeen Garg Fan Club, joined hands in respect.
The attendance of the Resident Commissioner from Arunachal Pradesh underscored how Zubeen’s music had crossed borders, resonating deeply across communities. Floral tributes from Assam’s highest dignitaries further reiterated the magnitude of this loss. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Sarbananda Sonowal, Pabitra Margherita, Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia, and representatives from esteemed cultural bodies like Assam Sahitya Sabha, AASU, and AJYCP stood united in their sorrow. Their collective presence was a solemn acknowledgment that Zubeen was more than a singer—he was the very embodiment of Assam’s cultural spirit and pride.
