Thousands Gather for Public Homage to Assamese Icon Zubeen Garg at Sarusajai Stadium

Thousands of mourners converged at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex (Sarusajai Stadium) in Guwahati, Assam, on September 21, 2025, and continued through September 22, 2025, to pay their final respects to beloved Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg. The renowned singer, composer, and filmmaker passed away on September 19, 2025, at the age of 52, following a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore.

A State in Mourning

Zubeen Garg's untimely demise in Singapore sent shockwaves across Assam and beyond. Reports indicated that the artist suffered a medical emergency, specifically drowning, during a scuba diving outing. He was rushed to Singapore General Hospital but could not be revived. His death led to the cancellation of the North East India Festival 2025, where he was scheduled to perform. In response to the profound loss, the Assam government declared a three-day state mourning from September 20-22, 2025, with shops and markets across the state observing closures as a mark of respect. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were among many dignitaries who expressed their condolences, highlighting Garg's immense contribution to music and culture.

Public Homage at Sarusajai Stadium

The mortal remains of Zubeen Garg arrived in Guwahati on the morning of September 21, transported from Singapore via New Delhi. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with Union Minister Pabitra Margherita and other senior officials, received the coffin at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The body, draped in a traditional Assamese 'gamosa' and placed in a glass casket, was first taken to his residence in Kahilipara for a private farewell with family, including his ailing father.

Subsequently, the casket was moved to the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex (Sarusajai Stadium), where it was kept for public viewing. Thousands of fans, braving both scorching heat and heavy rains, thronged the stadium, many having camped overnight. The sheer volume of mourners prompted Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to announce that the mortal remains would remain at the stadium throughout the night of September 21 and also on September 22, to allow more people to pay their respects.

Garima Saikia Garg, Zubeen Garg's wife, accompanied the remains and expressed her gratitude to the fans, stating, 'Had Zubeen been alive today, he would have been overwhelmed by this show of love. He cannot express himself in words anymore, and on his behalf, I thank each of you.'

Legacy of a Cultural Icon

Zubeen Garg was widely regarded as more than just a singer; he was a multifaceted artist and a profound cultural icon for Assam. His career, spanning over three decades, saw him record more than 38,000 songs in 40 languages and dialects. He was a singer-songwriter, composer, lyricist, music director, music producer, actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and philanthropist.

Known for blending Assamese folk music with modern sounds, he created a unique genre that resonated deeply with the people. His national breakthrough came with the Bollywood hit 'Ya Ali' from the movie 'Gangster' in 2006. Beyond his musical prowess, Zubeen Garg was also an activist, championing environmental causes and advocating for the identity and spirit of the Assamese people. His influence extended to mentoring young artists and promoting the region's culture.

The outpouring of grief and the massive public turnout at the stadium underscored the irreplaceable void left by his passing, solidifying his status as a legendary figure whose music and contributions will continue to inspire generations.