• The Daily Hints
• 20 Oct, 2025

§  Breaking updates on #JusticeForZubeenGarg

§  Wife Garima makes tearful justice plea as Rahul Gandhi pays respects

§  200 flautists perform emotional ‘Mayabini’ tribute at Zubeen Garg memorial marking one month since tragic death

Assam’s Heart Breaks Again: One month after the devastating loss of Assam’s beloved musical icon Zubeen Garg, thousands of grieving fans gathered at his cremation site in Sonapur on Sunday, October 19, 2025 for an extraordinary musical tribute that left the entire state in tears. In a deeply moving ceremony, 200 flautists from across Assam came together to perform the late singer’s most iconic song “Mayabini” in perfect harmony, creating a haunting melody that resonated with the collective grief of millions.

The emotional gathering at Kamarkuchi NC village in Sonapur, located on the outskirts of Guwahati, transformed the cremation ground into a sea of flickering earthen lamps, incense smoke and profound sorrow as fans from every corner of Assam—from Sadiya to Dhubri—arrived bearing flowers, traditional gamosas (Assamese scarves) inscribed with song lyrics, photographs and memories of their departed hero.

The Power of Music: 200 Flutes Unite in Grief

The centerpiece of Sunday’s tribute was the unprecedented synchronized flute performance that began at 5:00 PM local time. Nearly 200 accomplished flautists positioned themselves around the memorial site, their instruments creating a symphonic tribute that lasted over an hour. The performance of “Mayabini Ratir Bukut”—one of Zubeen’s most cherished compositions—echoed across the landscape with each note carrying the weight of Assam’s collective heartbreak.

·       “Zubeen da was more than a musician; he was emotion itself,” shared Hirak Jyoti Kalita from Rangia, one of the many flautists who performed earlier tributes to the late singer. “This is my way of saying thank you to the man who taught us how to feel through music.”

The flute tribute was just one element of a day-long commemoration that began early morning with the recitation of the Bhagavat Path, seeking spiritual peace for the departed artist. At noon, public prayer sessions opened the commemorations, followed by afternoon gatherings where over 2,000 devotees from nearly 100 groups assembled for spiritual performances, singing devotional songs in unison.

Late-Night Vigils and Candlelight Gatherings Across Assam

The musical tributes extended far beyond the official memorial site. In Sivasagar, fans organized a spontaneous late-night gathering where they sang “Mayabini” while holding candlelight vigils. Similar scenes played out across Assam’s towns and cities with the classic tune becoming a rallying cry for both remembrance and justice.

Social media platforms were flooded with amateur musicians and devoted fans sharing their own flute and guitar renditions of Zubeen’s songs, each video garnering thousands of views and emotional responses. The hashtag #JusticeForZubeenGarg continued trending across multiple platforms with supporters maintaining relentless pressure for answers about the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.

Garima’s Heartbreaking Appeal: “We Want to Know What Happened”

The most emotionally charged moment of the day came when Garima Saikia Garg, Zubeen’s widow, visited the memorial site and broke down while addressing media and supporters. In a separate video message that quickly went viral, she made an impassioned plea for continued public support in seeking justice.

“It has been one month since Zubeen passed away and we still don’t know what really happened,” Garima said with folded hands, kneeling at the cremation site as hundreds of fans gathered around her. “I have a prayer... Zubeen should get justice. Please keep using the hashtag every time. We have to know what happened to him.”

Her emotional appeal emphasized the power of social media as a tool for collective action: “All should use social media to get justice for Zubeen. We have to make this demand every day. We don’t want any trouble, we only want justice peacefully”. In another statement to reporters, Garima revealed that the family remains committed to discovering the truth about Zubeen’s final moments in Singapore.

“On several occasions, I have said that he is gone. Police are investigating the case. I want to know what exactly happened in the final moments in Singapore. They said it will take three months’ time to complete the probe. So, we are waiting patiently,” she added, her voice breaking with emotion.

Investigation Update: Singapore Police to Meet Assam Team

The ongoing investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death has become one of the most closely watched cases in recent Assamese history. On October 17, 2025, the Singapore Police Force issued an official statement confirming that preliminary investigations do not indicate foul play, though the probe may take another three months to complete.

The Singapore authorities have already shared the autopsy report and preliminary findings with the High Commission of India on October 1, 2025. However, this has done little to quell public demands for transparency with many supporters expressing skepticism about the official narrative.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Singapore Police authorities would meet the Assam Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Additional Director General of Police Munna Prasad Gupta on October 21, 2025. “Another step forward towards justice for our beloved Zubeen,” the Chief Minister wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Our collective resolve remains—Justice for Zubeen will prevail”.

The Assam Police SIT has arrested seven individuals since October 1 in connection with the case, all of whom have been remanded to judicial custody. Those arrested include festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen’s manager Siddharth Sharma, suspended police officer Sandipan Garg (the singer’s cousin), musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and two personal security officers—Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya.

In a shocking allegation, Goswami claimed that Sharma dismissed visible signs such as frothing from Garg’s mouth and nose as acid reflux and delayed seeking medical assistance. He also alleged hearing Sharma say “Jabo De, Jabo De” (“Let him go, Let him go”) as Garg struggled in the water.

Political Attention: Rahul Gandhi Pays Respects, BJP-Congress Tensions Rise

The tragedy and subsequent justice campaign have drawn significant political attention, particularly with Assam state elections approaching in early 2026. On October 16-17, 2025, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited both Zubeen’s residence in Guwahati and the memorial site in Sonapur to pay his respects.

Drawing a personal connection from his mountaineering days in Sikkim, Gandhi compared Zubeen Garg to Mount Kanchenjunga, describing him as “honest, transparent, unshakable and beautiful”. “You can see the worth of a person in their house. Zubeen had wealth, success and humility, something Assam should be extremely proud of,” Gandhi stated.

Calling for urgent action, he urged the government to conduct a quick and transparent investigation. “The family has lost Zubeen and all they want is the truth to be clear. The people of Assam want to know what happened because they want closure,” Gandhi said. “We love Zubeen Garg, we want to honour him but first we want transparency and justice. What happened in Singapore, everybody in Assam should know, and the sooner it happens, the better it is”.

However, the political involvement has not been without controversy. Assam BJP Minister Pijush Hazarika strongly criticized the Congress party and its state president Gaurav Gogoi on October 10, 2025, for allegedly politicizing Zubeen’s song “Mayabini” during a party meeting in Bongaigaon.

“Another unfortunate incident involving Congress.! In a party meeting held in Bongaigaon, Congress workers, adorned with full party caps and symbols, under the leadership of MP Gaurav Gogoi, shamelessly used the song ‘Mayabini’ for political promotion. This song belongs to our beloved artist Zubeen da. Turning art into propaganda is a disgrace,” Hazarika declared.

He further questioned: “How low will the Congress party stoop for votes and political interest.? After such actions, we are asked why we engage politically with the artists who are the soul of our culture”.

A Cultural Icon’s Enduring Legacy

The unprecedented public response to Zubeen Garg’s death underscores his monumental impact on Assamese culture and beyond. Born on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, Zubeen composed nearly 38,000 songs across 40 different languages, played dozens of instruments and directed and acted in movies, creating what many describe as a cult-like phenomenon in Assam for nearly three decades.

His 2006 Bollywood hit “Ya Ali” from the film “Gangster” brought him national recognition, earning him the Global Indian Film Award for Best Playback Singer. Yet despite his pan-India fame, Zubeen remained deeply connected to his Assamese roots, often describing himself as a “socialist” who was “just a human with no caste, no religion and no God”.

His funeral on September 23, 2025, drew such massive crowds that it was recognized by the Limca Book of Records as the fourth-largest public gathering globally, alongside the funerals of Michael Jackson, Pope Francis and Queen Elizabeth II. Traffic across Guwahati came to a complete halt as an estimated several hundred thousand people lined the streets for one final glimpse of their beloved icon.

“Never knew that Zubeen is so famous in Assam,” one social media user commented, prompting an avalanche of responses from northeastern fans. “Famous is an understatement. He was the pillar of our people. He carried the whole Assam on his back for so long. He gave us what we and other generations will know as our culture. He loved us selflessly, gave up everything for us,” wrote one passionate supporter.

Read Morre: One Month After Zubeen’s Death: Assam’s Unanswered Questions

The Memorial Site: A Place of Pilgrimage

The cremation site at Kamarkuchi, spanning 3.3 acres of government-allotted land, can accommodate up to 5,000 mourners and has become a place of pilgrimage for Zubeen’s devotees. The Assam government has committed to developing the site through a special committee with plans for a comprehensive memorial that will celebrate the artist’s legacy.

On the one-month anniversary, the site witnessed one of its largest gatherings since the funeral. Fans brought gamosas inscribed with song lyrics, photographs and other items to show their love and respect. They lit earthen lamps and incense sticks with programs featuring Zubeen’s songs continuing throughout the day and into the night.

“Six of us came together and many more are on their way. It’s my first time here and we can truly feel his absence. It’s overwhelming,” said a fan who traveled from Bongaigaon to pay respects. Another visitor from Baihata Chariali added: “It’s truly heartbreaking. We lost one of Assam’s most cherished talents. It’s impossible to be blessed with such an individual again, which is why the entire state is still mourning his passing, even after a month”.

The day’s commemorations concluded with a bhaona—the traditional Assamese theatrical performance—scheduled to begin around 9:30 PM, by which time the cremation ground was expected to be transformed into a sea of flickering lights and emotion.

Musicians and Celebrities Continue Tributes

The music and entertainment industry has continued to honor Zubeen’s memory through various tributes. Renowned flautist Raghav Sachar performed a heartfelt rendition of “Mayabini” that went viral on social media. Meanwhile, major music label T-Series released a specially curated tribute video celebrating Zubeen’s enduring legacy across multiple languages and genres.

·       Singer Vishal Dadlani had earlier mourned: “I can’t believe this. My brain is in shock, my heart is shattered.! #ZubeenGarg has left a void I don’t think anyone else can ever fill. He was a true megastar, a man of his people, a true lover of Assam”.

·       Singer Armaan Malik expressed similar disbelief: “I am devastated and in disbelief. May his soul rest in peace”.

Even The New York Times published a comprehensive obituary, describing how Zubeen’s musical style “seamlessly fused the folk heritage of Assam with elements of pop and rock,” noting that his versatile voice allowed him to deliver both romantic and melancholic ballads across numerous languages.

Conclusion: A State United in Grief and Determination

As Assam marks one month since losing its most cherished cultural icon, the emotional tributes continue to demonstrate the profound impact Zubeen Garg had on millions of lives. The synchronized flute performance of “Mayabini,” the tearful appeals for justice and the massive public gatherings all reflect a state united in both grief and determination to honor their hero’s memory.

The investigation continues with both Singapore and Assam authorities working to uncover the full circumstances of the September 19 tragedy. Meanwhile, Zubeen’s music continues to provide solace and solidarity to his countless admirers, his voice still echoing through the hearts of those who loved him.

·       As sociologist Dr. Maitrayee Patar eloquently observed: “This unity, awareness and solidarity that people have demonstrated should endure. It should guide them moving forward. If he had to die, let him die for this”—for a movement that transcends religious and social divides, bringing all of Assam together in a shared celebration of art, culture and the enduring power of music.

·       The demand remains clear and unwavering: Justice for Zubeen Garg. And until that justice is delivered, his fans will continue their peaceful vigil, keeping his memory alive through the very songs that made him immortal.

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