Guwahati, Sept 22: Preparations for the last rites of legendary singer Zubeen Garg will begin tomorrow at 7:30 AM, with an estimated 5,000–6,000 people expected to attend the ceremony at the designated venue, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Monday.
According to the official schedule, Zubeen Garg’s mortal remains will be taken in a funeral procession starting at 8 AM on September 23 from Sarusajai Stadium, where his body has been kept for public homage. The procession will move towards Hatimura, Kamarkuchi NC Village under Panbari Mouza of Sonapur Revenue Circle in Kamrup (M), near Jorabat, where the cremation will take place.
To ensure a dignified passage, the National Highway leading to Sonapur will remain closed until 2 PM. Authorities have appealed to the public not to overcrowd the cremation site, citing limited capacity, and to extend full cooperation during the final journey.
The Chief Minister also informed that Zubeen’s family will hold a 13-day ceremonial observance in Jorhat, with the ashes to be offered to the local community on the same day. Meanwhile, officials who accompanied the singer to Singapore will face an inquiry to confirm whether proper permissions were obtained from the Home Department.
As part of crowd management measures, the government is installing LED screens across Assam, while villages have been encouraged to arrange public TV screenings so that more people can collectively pay their respects.
In a mark of solemn respect, the Governor of Assam has declared September 22 and 23 as Dry Days, with all liquor shops, bars, clubs, and licensed premises to remain closed across the state. Deputy Commissioner Ri Bhoi district, Meghalaya through an order has directed closure of all IMFL shops located between Khanapara and Jorabat.
The Chief Minister warned of strict action against any attempt to create disturbances at Sarusajai Stadium or the airport, noting that footage of any untoward incidents is being collected for official records. Citizens have been urged to remain cautious and, if necessary, record videos for government documentation.
Zubeen Garg’s passing has triggered an unprecedented outpouring of grief. From the King of Bhutan, who sent a special envoy to pay tribute, to millions of fans across Assam and beyond, the love and respect pouring in reflects his stature as more than a singer—he was an institution, an emotion.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Zubeen’s songs touched countless lives in India and beyond. “This is reflected in how H.E The King of Bhutan sent a special representative to pay tributes to Zubeen”. He was truly a global phenomenon, gone too soon.
Over the past two days, Sarusajai Stadium has seen long queues of mourners braving heat and rain, singing his songs, and weeping for their beloved icon. Streets and intersections across Assam have echoed with grief, as admirers— from leaders to mothers holding infants in their arms—united in sorrow and song.
Social media, too, has been flooded with tributes. “I didn’t even know Zubeen Garg till he died… but this much love and respect cannot be bought, he earned it. Missed meeting a great artiste,” wrote one user. Another remarked: “I have never seen such love for any artist. For two days, Assam has stood still in grief. The entire state has shut down to mourn Zubeen Garg.”
Gone too soon, Zubeen Garg leaves behind a legacy that transcends music. Assam, and indeed the Northeast, will remember him not just as a cultural icon, but as a voice that lived in every heart.
Also Read: Zubeen Garg’s death due to drowning in Singapore, Assam govt to wait for post-mortem report
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