Assam on Saturday marked the first death anniversary of singer Zubeen Garg, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paying tribute to the music icon as admirers gathered at Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur for a three-day commemorative programme.
Key Takeaways
- Himanta Biswa Sarma remembered Zubeen Garg with photographs and a “Miss you Zubeen” message.
- Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur is hosting a three-day programme marking the singer’s first death anniversary.
- Prayer, naam-prasanga, cultural programmes, Bhagawat recitation and Bhaona are part of the observance.
Assam on Saturday remembered legendary singer Zubeen Garg on the first anniversary of his death. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma joined the tributes by sharing two photographs with the singer on social media.
“Miss you Zubeen,” Sarma wrote on his personal X account.
The tribute came as admirers across Assam gathered to remember Garg. The singer remained one of the state’s most celebrated cultural figures. His death in September 2025 had triggered widespread grief among fans and the wider public.
Zubeen Garg died in Singapore
Zubeen Garg died on September 19 last year while swimming near Lazarus Island in Singapore. He was scheduled to perform at an event linked to the North East International Festival (NEIF) the following day.
His death brought a major outpouring of grief across Assam. Fans, cultural groups and admirers continued to remember his contribution to Assamese music and cinema.
The first death anniversary has now brought his followers together for a series of memorial programmes at Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur.
Three-day Zubeen Divas begins
The three-day Zubeen Divas began at Zubeen Kshetra, where Garg’s final resting place is located. The memorial site has been decorated with flowers and fresh gamosas for the occasion.
A large number of admirers are expected to visit the site during the three-day programme. Visitors will pay their respects and take part in various commemorative activities.
The observance began on Thursday morning with a prayer. Organisers also scheduled a naam-prasanga for the afternoon.
The programme will continue with cultural events on the second day. The concluding day will feature Bhagawat recitation and Bhaona.
These programmes reflect Assam’s cultural and spiritual traditions. They also provide followers with an opportunity to remember Garg through music, faith and community participation.
Government supports memorial arrangements
The Assam government has extended support for arrangements at Zubeen Kshetra. The assistance aims to help manage the expected crowds and facilitate the participation of visitors.
The memorial site is likely to see a steady flow of fans during the three-day observance. Organisers have therefore appealed to devotees, admirers and other visitors to maintain discipline.
They have also urged people to participate peacefully throughout the programmes.
The appeal assumes significance as large gatherings are expected at the memorial. Thousands of people are expected to visit Zubeen Kshetra to honour the singer and recall his contribution to Assam’s cultural identity.
remembered by fans
Garg was popularly known among his admirers as ‘Pranor Silpi’, meaning ‘artist of the heart’. He held a distinctive position in Assam’s contemporary music scene.
His career extended beyond music. He also made a significant contribution to cinema. His work helped him build a strong connection with audiences in Assam and outside the state.
For many admirers, his appeal went beyond his performances. His music became closely associated with Assam’s contemporary cultural expression.
The first death anniversary programme has therefore emerged as a major occasion for his followers. The gatherings at Zubeen Kshetra allow fans to collectively remember the artiste and his work.
Memorial marks continuing cultural legacy
The observance at Zubeen Kshetra comes one year after Garg’s death. It brings together prayers, cultural activities and traditional programmes in his memory.
The arrangements also underline the continued public interest in the singer’s artistic legacy. His followers continue to remember his contribution to Assamese music and cinema.
As Zubeen Divas progresses, Zubeen Kshetra remains the central point of the anniversary observance. Fans and visitors are expected to continue arriving at the memorial to pay their respects.
For Garg’s admirers, the first death anniversary is both a moment of remembrance and an occasion to celebrate the artistic legacy he left behind. (With IANS inputs)
