By Kusumika Das
Copyright timesnownews
Assam has been crying since the afternoon of September 19. The sudden demise of Zubeen Garg didn’t just shake his fans, the entire country. And oh, how Assam reacted since then. The Ya Ali singer always carried his roots with pride, never once forgetting where he belonged. He was not just a musician; he was the sound of land, festivals, protests, celebrations, and heartbreaks. And now, in his silence, Assam has been weeping, loudly and endlessly. Rest in power, Zubeen Garg! From the very moment the news broke, Guwahati turned into a river of grief. Streets filled up as thousands of fans rushed just to catch one last glimpse of their beloved Zubeen Da. His mortal remains were carried through the city, and everywhere you looked, people were holding flowers, posters, and cut-outs. Old, young, rich, poor – every face was drenched in tears. People sang his songs, as if keeping him alive through their voices. One song stood out – Mayabini. Years ago, during a concert, Zubeen himself had said that when he died, he wanted that song to be played. And when his journey finally began, fans kept his wish alive. Mayabini echoed across Assam, carrying his soul higher and higher. The Assam government declared three days of mourning, a gesture that showed just how much he meant to the state. Cultural events were cancelled, and a heavy silence fell even in the busiest corners of Guwahati. It wasn’t just the common people who were breaking down. Even police personnel, usually tasked with keeping order, were spotted crying while managing the sea of fans who refused to leave Zubeen’s side. That’s when you knew – this was not a normal farewell. This was Assam losing a son. Zubeen Garg was more than an Assamese icon. He was a pan-Indian voice. From Ya Ali in Gangster to his countless Assamese hits like O Bhai O, Anamika and Mayabini, he managed to balance both worlds effortlessly. Yet, no matter how many Bollywood stages he conquered, his heart remained in Assam. He invested in local films, supported new talent, and kept speaking up about the importance of Assamese culture on national platforms. He was never just a singer – he was a movement, an emotion. May his soul rest in peace.
