"Zubeen Will Live Forever": Himanta Sarma Remembers "Rebel" Singer

Zubeen Garg was laid to rest with full state honours on Tuesday at Kamarkuchi, near the outskirts of Guwahati.

Guwahati (Assam):

In a heartfelt tribute to the late musical icon Zubeen Garg, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that "Zubeen will live forever" in the hearts of Assam's people. The Chief Minister emphasized the artist's emotional connection with audiences, his rebellious spirit, and his extraordinary generosity.

Taking to the social media platform X, Mr Sarma addressed the widespread curiosity about Assam's profound affection for the singer. "Over the past few days, many from outside Assam have asked - why are we crazy for #BelovedZubeen... There is no single answer," Mr Sarma noted.

He elaborated, "Three things stand out. His music spoke directly to our emotions and was wide enough to accommodate Assam's diversity. His bravado was legendary- a born rebel, unapologetic about his opinions. But above all, he was one of the most helpful and kindest souls to walk on this planet. Zubeen will live forever"

The renowned singer was cremated with complete state honours at Kamarkuchi, situated on Guwahati's periphery. Thousands of admirers gathered for the funeral, many visibly overcome with emotion as they bid farewell to the artist affectionately called 'Goldie' by those close to him.

Garg's sister, Palme Borthakur, performed the final rites, while his wife, Garima Saikia, tearfully said goodbye. The ceremony included a gun salute honoring the late artist's contributions.

The crematorium was filled with hundreds of mourners coming to offer their final tributes to their beloved musical icon.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma offered floral tributes and later shared on social media, "The last time that I got to see #BelovedZubeen. From now on, he will live in Assam's soul, mind and heart..."

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also paid his respects to Garg at the Kamarkuchi crematorium.

The Chief Minister personally oversaw all ceremonial arrangements in coordination with authorities and the singer's family.

Before the funeral, Garg's remains were placed at the Bhogesawar Baruah Sports Complex, allowing fans and well-wishers to pay their respects.

The Assam government had previously announced three days of state mourning following the singer's passing. The Assam CMO indicated that official entertainment, ceremonial programs, and public celebrations would be suspended during this period.

The 52-year-old cultural icon of Assam died in Singapore on Friday after a drowning incident. His remains were flown to Delhi and subsequently transported to Assam on a commercial flight that arrived in Guwahati Sunday morning.

Garg had been in Singapore participating in the Northeast India Festival.

News of his death sent shockwaves throughout the nation, prompting an outpouring of condolences and tributes across social media platforms.

Revered as Assam's cultural icon, Garg was not merely a singer but also a composer, music director, actor, and filmmaker. Throughout his three-decade career, he vocalized thousands of songs in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and numerous other Indian languages. A talented multi-instrumentalist, Garg played 12 different instruments, including anandalahari, dhol, dotara, drums, guitar, harmonica, harmonium, mandolin, keyboard, tabla, and various percussion instruments.