By News Karnataka Editorial Team
Copyright newskarnataka
Guwahati: Thousands of grief-stricken fans gathered in Guwahati on Sunday to pay their last respects to Assam’s cultural icon Zubeen Garg, who tragically died in a scuba diving accident in Singapore on September 19. The singer, widely celebrated for his contribution to Assamese music and cinema, was remembered in a heartfelt and historic farewell.
Massive turnout for public mourning
Fans queued through the night to catch a final glimpse of Garg’s mortal remains, which were placed in a glass casket draped with a traditional Assamese ‘gamosa’. The sheer size of the crowd led the Limca Book of Records to recognise it as one of the largest public funerals in history, ranking as the fourth-largest worldwide alongside farewells for Michael Jackson, Pope Francis, and Queen Elizabeth II.
Before his body reached Guwahati, fans in Jorhat blocked National Highway 37 (NH37) for several hours, demanding that Garg’s remains be brought to the city where he had spent his formative years. The Jorhat Police later issued a traffic advisory after the highway was cleared.
Emotional tributes and last rites
Upon arrival in Guwahati, fans were seen crying and expressing profound grief at the sight of their favourite singer. Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, was visibly emotional as the mortal remains reached their residence.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Garg’s final journey to the cremation ground will begin at 7:30 am on Tuesday from the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, where his remains have been kept for public homage. Personnel of the Assam Police will serve as pallbearers along the national highway, accord a gun salute, and priests will conduct the traditional rituals before the cremation.
Legacy of Zubeen Garg
Zubeen Garg, aged 52, had travelled to Singapore to perform at the North East India Festival scheduled for September 20. Known for his versatility across multiple musical genres, Garg leaves behind a legacy that spans decades, inspiring fans not only in Assam but across India and abroad. His sudden demise has left the cultural community in deep mourning, highlighting the impact of his music and persona on generations of admirers.
