Hundreds of emotional admirers, relatives, and fellow artists converged on Zubeen Khetra in Sonapur, located on the outskirts of Guwahati, on Saturday to mark the first death anniversary of legendary Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg. The temporary memorial, erected at the precise location where his last rites were performed a year ago, became a vibrant gathering point where generations of listeners reconnected with his musical legacy by singing the classics they grew up with.
Three-Day Memorial Observance in Sonapur
The Cultural Affairs Department of the Assam government organized a dedicated three-day commemorative event that commenced on Thursday and concluded on Saturday, the day of the anniversary. Garg passed away on September 19 last year during a sea outing in Singapore, merely one day prior to his scheduled performance at the North East Festival. His untimely death plunged the entire state of Assam into prolonged mourning and triggered widespread public appeals for a transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
A day before the official closing of the event, prominent singer Angaraag Papon Mahanta visited the memorial grounds and spent time with Garg's wife, Garima Saikia Garg. Observing aspiring young vocalists performing Zubeen's melodies on the premises, Mahanta remarked that it was a truly beautiful sight. He gently encouraged the crowd to nurture and support these budding singers rather than scrutinizing their minor slips, explaining that technical flaws can easily be polished later.
Calls for Justice and Cinematic Tribute
Veteran actor Arun Hazarika was also among the prominent figures paying homage at the memorial. He fondly remembered Garg as a close neighbor with whom he engaged in casual conversations whenever their paths crossed. Hazarika reiterated the collective call for justice regarding Garg's passing, emphasizing that the pursuit of truth must not inadvertently result in injustice for anyone else. Additionally, he welcomed the theatrical re-release of Garg's final cinematic project, Roi Roi Binale, which has returned to cinema screens across multiple cities in Assam.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared his tribute by posting on X, describing Garg as an enduring rockstar and a genuine man of the people who brought joy to the state through his music, generosity, and presence.
Investigation Delays and Infrastructure Questions
Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi raised formal appeals with the state administration during the anniversary. Gogoi urged the government to officially declare September 19 an annual public holiday designated as Zubeen Divas in honor of the artist. He raised sharp concerns about the pace and status of the official investigation into Garg's death, while also highlighting administrative neglect at Zubeen Khetra itself, pointing out that the memorial complex remains unfinished and currently lacks even standard boundary walls. Despite these lingering uncertainties, devoted admirers from every corner of Assam gathered to celebrate his artistic heritage while continuing to seek clarity about his untimely loss.
