India’s beloved singer and composer, Zubeen Garg, was laid to rest in Guwahati, Assam, with a state funeral and a 21-gun salute. The 52-year-old artist died by drowning on September 19 while in Singapore for a concert.
Hundreds of thousands of fans flocked to the funeral. During the ceremony, the crowd sang one of Garg’s most famous songs, “Mayabini,” in unison. The Assam government declared three days of mourning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the artist will be remembered for his “rich contributions” to music.
A Cultural Icon
Garg sang in over 40 languages and dialects during his 33-year career. He became known throughout India in 2006 with his rendition of “Ya Ali” for the Bollywood film “Gangster”. In Assam, he became a constant star of the Bihu festivals; With a wide repertoire ranging from rock to folk music, it has reached listeners of all ages. The artist became known not only for his music but also for his activism. He openly criticized the violence of separatist groups and was at the forefront of protests against the controversial citizenship law in 2019. She earned a special place in the hearts of the people by offering her home to the state as a quarantine center during the pandemic and providing financial support to thousands of people for years, from education to health. Zubeen Garg, in the words of her fans, was not just an artist, but “an emotion.” With her courageous attitude, generosity, and versatility in music, she left an indelible mark on the cultural identity of Assam.
