The passing of legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of millions, and today marks the final journey of the icon. A second autopsy of Zubeen Garg began at 3 am at Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), four hours ahead of the originally scheduled time, following intense public demand for transparency over his tragic death in a scuba diving accident in Singapore on September 19. The results of the post-mortem are awaited, and immediately after the procedure, preparations for his funeral procession began.
Crowds of mourners had already gathered outside GMCH well before dawn, hoping to catch one last glimpse of their beloved singer. His body, kept at the Sarusajai Stadium for the past two days, drew tens of thousands of fans who came to pay their respects. Today’s procession, starting around 10 am, is expected to witness unprecedented participation, reflecting the enormous love and admiration Zubeen commanded across generations.
According to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the funeral procession will travel to Sonapur, on the outskirts of Guwahati, via the highway in order to bypass city congestion. The state government has arranged transportation, with 85 artists and family members accompanying the singer’s remains in buses and an ambulance. Once at the cremation ground, the casket will be carried by Assam Police personnel and honored with a 21-gun salute, a testament to Zubeen’s status as a cultural hero.
Authorities expect massive crowds along the route and at the cremation site. The Chief Minister acknowledged the challenge of managing the outpouring of grief, noting that while orderliness may be difficult to ensure, the administration is prepared to manage the emotional day. He himself joined mourners at Sarusajai Stadium on Tuesday night, calling Zubeen’s departure an irreplaceable loss. “There will never be another Zubeen,” he remarked in a heartfelt tribute.
Representing the Central government, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will attend the last rites, ensuring that the final farewell to the singer receives state and national recognition. For Assam and the wider Assamese diaspora, today is not only the funeral of a singer but the final bow of a cultural icon who gave voice, hope, and pride to millions.
