Noted singer and composer Zubeen Garg was cremated with full state honours on Tuesday in Kamarkuchi, near Guwahati, marking the end of an era for Assam’s music and cultural scene. The final rites were conducted by his sister, Palme Borthakur, as the state united in mourning the loss of a legendary figure whose music and activism deeply touched countless lives across the state.Plabita Borthakur on Zubeen Garg
Recently, talking to NDTV, actor Plabita Borthakur spoke about Zubeen Garg’s demise and said, “This is a personal loss for everyone in Assam. Zubeen was more than just a singer; he was a social activist. He always said, ‘I have no caste, I have no religion.’ He united all of us. This is a very difficult time. Zubeen was the one who brought us together. His music and aura touched everyone. He helped those around him and contributed greatly socially and culturally. He was Assam’s voice—not just as a singer but as its spirit and soul. He spoke out against corruption and worked to save trees and animals. He was a pure soul. Every person in Assam has a story about Zubeen, and people from all religions are offering prayers. He truly united the whole state. Though I don’t have many adult memories with him, I met him as a child and was fascinated by his colorful shoes. I knew him through my sister and brother-in-law, who were close friends with him. When I was young, I loved one of his albums that really connected with me as a child. I once messaged him asking for his number and telling him how much I loved the song. Every time I met him, I admired that he spoke without filter. He was unique, sweet with a good sense of humor”.Emotional farewell by family and fansGarima Saikia, the late singer’s wife, was visibly emotional as she said her final goodbye to ‘Goldie,’ a nickname cherished by his close friends and family. In Kamarkuchi village of Sonapur, Zubeen was honored with a ceremonial gun salute at the cremation site. The event drew hundreds who came together to mourn and celebrate the life of their beloved artist.Public tribute and state mourningThe late singer’s body was kept at Bhogesawar Baruah Sports Complex so fans and well-wishers could pay their last respects before his funeral. The Assam government declared three days of state mourning after his death. During this time, no official events, celebrations, or entertainment were allowed, as announced by the Chief Minister’s Office.Circumstances of death and national shockThe singer died in Singapore last Friday after drowning. His body was first flown to Delhi and then brought to Guwahati on Sunday morning by a commercial flight. Garg was in Singapore for the Northeast India Festival. His sudden death shocked the nation, and many people shared their condolences and tributes on social media.A legacy as Assam’s cultural iconKnown as a cultural icon in Assam, Garg was not only a singer but also a composer, music director, actor, and filmmaker. Over more than 30 years, he sang thousands of songs in Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, and other Indian languages. He also played 12 musical instruments, including the dhol, guitar, harmonium, keyboard, tabla, and others.
