Guwahati, Sept 20: Preparations are underway at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati (Sarusajai), where the mortal remains of Assam’s beloved cultural icon Zubeen Garg will be placed for the public to pay their last respects.
Guwahati Commissioner of Police Partha Sarathi Mahanta appealed to the people to maintain calm and discipline during the solemn occasion, urging fans not to resort to unruly behaviour in their grief.
The Assam government has declared a three-day state mourning from September 20 to 22, 2025, following the sudden demise of legendary singer, filmmaker, and cultural icon Zubeen Garg.
In an official statement, the government expressed profound grief, noting that Garg’s unparalleled contributions to Assamese music and cinema have left an indelible mark on the state’s cultural identity.
As part of the mourning protocol, all official entertainment events, ceremonial dinners, and cultural programmes have been suspended. The Seva Saptah activities, which involve large public gatherings or benefit distribution, have also been postponed until after the mourning period. However, service-driven initiatives such as health camps, Nikshay Mitra support programmes for tuberculosis patients, and plantation drives will continue without interruption.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Zubeen’s body will first be taken to his Kahilipara residence so that his family, including his 85-year-old father, can spend private moments with him. “We want the family to have that time before the mortal remains are taken to Sarusajai for the public tribute,” the CM said.
The ceremony at Sarusajai will be broadcast live, with arrangements made for seating, drinking water, washrooms, and sanitation facilities. Special traffic restrictions have also been announced to handle the massive crowds expected to gather for the farewell.
Zubeen’s mortal remains, flown from Singapore to Delhi on Saturday, are expected to arrive in Guwahati early Sunday morning on a special flight. The Chief Minister, who left for New Delhi today, will receive the body at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
On the demand to take the singer’s remains to Jorhat, Sarma said the government will consult his family, the Assam Sahitya Sabha, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), and artists before making a final decision.
Earlier in the day, Sarma visited the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex at Sarusajai twice to review preparations. He instructed civil and police authorities to ensure smooth arrangements, including adequate drinking water, sanitation, parking, and strict regulation of heavy vehicle movement on the national highway adjacent to the venue.
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora, Power Minister Prasanta Phukan, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota, DGP Harmeet SiEOMngh, and senior officers from the Cultural Affairs and PWD departments were present during the inspection.
Ministers, political leaders and others visited Zubeen Garg’s residence in Kahilipara to convey condolences to the bereaved family. “The mortal remains of the beloved artist will be kept at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Stadium (Sarusajai) for the public to pay their tributes from tomorrow morning”, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu said.
Assam govt will decide on Sep 21 at 6 pm on the cremation venue of Zubeen.
Also Read: NEHU Tura students hold candlelight tribute for Zubeen Garg
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