“Assam's beloved musical icon Zubeen Garg, was cremated with full state honours on September 23, 2025, at Kamarkuchi NC village in Sonapur, approximately 25 km from Guwahati. The ceremony was attended by thousands of fans, dignitaries, and family members, marking a poignant farewell to the beloved artist.
The funeral procession began at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, where his body was kept for public homage. Following a second post-mortem at Gauhati Medical College Hospital, his remains were brought to the cremation site. His sister, Palmi Borthakur, performed the last rites, lighting the funeral pyre. The Assam Police honoured him with a 21-gun salute, and his fans paid tribute by singing his iconic song "Mayabini."
The Assam government has announced plans to develop the cremation site into a memorial to celebrate Zubeen Garg's legacy. Additionally, another memorial is planned in his hometown of Jorhat.
Who is Zubeen Garg?
Zubeen Garg was a rock star in the truest sense — wild, fearless, unpredictable, and uncompromising. Fame never dictated his path; he followed his heart, his instincts, and his art, unapologetically.
While others chased fame, he didn’t care a damn. He was fearless, unfiltered, and challenged norms — from governments to societal expectations — all while singing about rain, rivers, and broken hearts.
He was our Bob Dylan, our Kurt Cobain, our Freddie Mercury — yet uniquely Zubeen Garg. He showed us that our language, culture, and music could stand on their own.
Zubeen wasn’t a saint. He lived raw, loved intensely, and spoke freely. But that is what made him unforgettable.
Zubeen Garg Death: Assam’s Beloved Singer Passes Away in Tragic Accident
On 19 September 2025, India lost Zubeen Garg, the beloved Assamese singer renowned for his soulful voice and cultural contributions, at the age of 52. He was in Singapore to attend the North East India Festival.
The incident occurred during a recreational outing when Zubeen went swimming without a life jacket. He experienced breathing difficulties and was pulled from the water. CPR was administered, and he was rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he was declared dead. The official cause of death was drowning. (There are still some doubts in the minds of people about the beloved Zubeen Da’s death. Investigation is going on.)
His death sent shockwaves across Assam, the Northeast, and the nation. Amid grief, there was gratitude for the immeasurable cultural legacy he left behind. Zubeen da’s passing has left an irreplaceable void in music and Assamese culture.
Zubeen Garg Last Journey: Lakhs Attend Final Procession in Assam
His mortal remains were flown back to Assam, where lakhs attended his final journey. Crowds sang his songs, held banners, and shed tears. His cremation with full state honours is scheduled for September 23, expected to draw even larger crowds united in grief and respect.
Zubeen Garg Biography: Early Life, Family, and Roots
Humble Roots, Towering Anthem
- Born Zubeen Borthakur on 18 November 1972 in Tura, Meghalaya, and raised in Jorhat, Assam.
- Mother: Ily Borthakur, classical singer.
- Father: Mohini Mohon Borthakur (Kapil Thakur), poet and lyricist.
- Sister: Jonkey Borthakur, singer and actress, died in 2002.
- Married Garima Saikia in 2002, a fashion designer.
Zubeen left his science studies midway at B. Borooah College, Guwahati, to dedicate himself to music.
Zubeen Garg’s Musical Career: From Local Star to National Icon
Zubeen began in the early 1990s with Assamese albums like Anamika (1992), Xapunor Xur (1992), Junaki Mon (1993), and Maya (1994).
His national breakthrough came with Ya Ali from Gangster (2006), topping charts across India and abroad.
He sang in over 40 languages, including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Bodo, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Nepali, Oriya, and more. He also acted and directed films like Mon Jai (2008) and Mission China (2017).
More Than Music: The Man Behind the Voice
- Paid medical bills for the poor.
- Donated during floods and COVID-19.
- Opened his home and studios during crises.
- Enjoyed simple pleasures: a treehouse, laughter, long conversations.
Zubeen Garg Songs and Legacy: Bridging Cultures and Hearts
Zubeen’s songs were stories of love, loss, identity, resistance, and pride. They inspired Assamese youth, empowered regional artists, and encouraged appreciation for authentic music.
- Inspired Assamese youth to embrace cultural heritage.
- Empowered regional artists to gain national recognition.
- Encouraged fans to value traditional music and authenticity.
- Showed that folk traditions can thrive alongside modern sounds.
- Proved that staying rooted in culture does not limit potential.
The Night of Mourning and the Morning of Memory
The Assam government declared three days of state mourning. Social media overflowed with tributes, and political leaders, artists, and fans across India expressed grief. Tomorrow’s cremation will be another historic chapter in Assam’s cultural memory.
Awards and Achievements
- 2004 – National Film Award (Rajat Kamal) for Echoes of Silence
- 2005 – BFJA Award for Shudhu Tumi
- 2006 – GIFA Best Playback Singer for Ya Ali
- 2011 – Guest Artist of the Year, Assam Convention (USA)
- 2018 – PETA’s Hero to Animals Award
- 2024 – Honorary D.Litt., University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya
Legacy Beyond Records
Zubeen’s true legacy lies in the emotions his music carried. He showed Assamese music could travel globally without losing authenticity. For countless fans, he was an emotion, a movement, and a symbol of pride.
What We Keep With Us
Zubeen Garg may have departed, but his voice will echo for generations. Every song he sang will remind us of a man who gave his heart to music and soul to the people.
“যাৰ গান শুনিলে সাহস পাওঁ, যাৰ গান শুনি শুনি বেয়া পৰিস্থিতিৰ লগতো সাহসেৰে যুজি যাওঁ… সেইজন মহান ব্যক্তি আজি আৰু নাই ।”
(“The one whose songs gave us courage, whose music made us fight hardships with strength, that great soul is no longer with us.”)
Legends never truly die. Zubeen Garg’s music will remain the soul of Assam — and the world.
