Guwahati (Assam), Sep 21: The streets of Guwahati were bathed in tears and sorrow as the mortal remains of iconic Assamese singer Zubeen Garg was brought back to his hometown, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans and well-wishers. Approximately 5 lakhs people gathered to pay their last respects to the music legend, who left an indelible mark on the Indian music industry.
As the procession made its way from the airport to his residence in Kahilipara, young fans who had grown up listening to his songs were seen in despair, some crying uncontrollably, while others chanted “Joi Zubeen Da” as they bid a final farewell to their idol. Many youngsters had grown up with Zubeen Garg’s music, and his songs had become an integral part of their lives. For them, his passing was not just the loss of a singer, but a loss of a part of themselves.
The Government of Assam has announced a three-day state mourning to honor the legendary singer. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep sorrow, calling it an “immense loss to the state and the nation”.
Garg’s journey came to a tragic end in Singapore, where he had gone to perform at the Northeast Festival. A drowning accident claimed his life, sending shockwaves across the nation. According to reports, Garg had initially worn a life jacket but removed it, claiming it was oversized and hindered his swimming.
Tributes poured in from across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing grief over Garg’s sudden demise. Rahul Gandhi described his passing as “a terrible tragedy,” while Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Union minister Kiren Rijiju also paid their respects.
Garg’s legacy will live on through his music, which touched the hearts of millions. His versatility in singing in multiple languages, including Assamese, Hindi, and Bengali, earned him a massive following. The singer’s untimely demise has left a void in the music world, and his fans are still trying to come to terms with the loss.
