Zubeen Garg funeral update: State mourning announced, memorials planned in Sonapur and Jorhat

The Assam cabinet has announced a series of decisions to honour late singer-composer Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore earlier this week. His sudden death has left the state in deep mourning, prompting the government to extend the period of state mourning till September 23, the day of his final rites.

After discussions with the family, the cabinet approved the allotment of 10 bighas of land at Hatimura in Kamarkuchi NC village, Kamrup (Metro). The site will serve as Garg’s final resting place and will include a permanent memorial.

Final Rites and Memorials

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the decision on X, stating, “After discussions with the family of Zubeen Garg, #AssamCabinet has approved allotment of 10 bigha land in Kamarkuchi, near Guwahati, where our #BelovedZubeen will be laid to rest on September 23.”

His cremation will take place in Sonapur. In addition, the state has announced plans to take Garg’s ashes to Jorhat, his birthplace, where another memorial will be built to recognise his deep connection with the town.

Zubeen Garg, best known nationally for the song Ya Ali from the 2006 film Gangster, passed away after suffering a seizure while swimming in Singapore. Despite being rushed to Singapore General Hospital and receiving CPR, he was declared dead at 2:50 pm IST on Friday.

Born in 1972 in Jorhat, Garg was a versatile artist who left his mark as a singer, composer, and actor. While he earned fame in Bollywood, his true strength lay in Assamese folk and contemporary music, where he recorded hundreds of songs and mentored young musicians.

Legacy and Public Mourning

Widely known as the “heartthrob of Assam,” Garg was also active on cultural and social issues, making him a beloved figure beyond the stage. His death has left a void in Assam’s artistic life, with tributes pouring in from fans and peers.

By creating memorials in Kamrup and Jorhat, the state aims to preserve Garg’s contribution to music and ensure that his voice continues to resonate with future generations.