Zubeen Garg's Final Journey: A City United in Grief
Guwahati: Thousands of mourners poured into the streets of Guwahati on Sunday to pay their last respects to beloved Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. His final journey home began at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI), with the convoy carrying his mortal remains navigating a sea of humanity to his residence in Kahilipara.
The air was thick with emotion as fans of all ages lined the streets, showering flowers on the ambulance. The procession, which included the singer's favorite open jeep with a large portrait of him, moved slowly as the crowd sang his songs and chanted "Jai Zubeen da."
Many mourners were seen holding traditional Assamese gamosas with "Z G Forever" woven into them, while others tearfully questioned his sudden departure. Guwahati's top police officials walked ahead of the convoy to help clear a path through the crowd, which had gathered from all corners of the state.
Arrangements for Public Homage and Cremation
The Assam government has declared a three-day state mourning period in honor of the music legend. A special team of doctors from Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH)'s Anatomy Department has been tasked with examining Garg's body to determine how long it can be preserved for public viewing at Sarusajai Stadium.
While the body will be kept at the stadium today, officials are still deciding if it can be preserved for additional days. If signs of decomposition are detected, cremation may be carried out as early as tomorrow evening. The body will not be kept for public viewing beyond an additional day.
After arriving at his Kahilipara residence, the body will be kept for about an hour and a half to allow his 85-year-old father and other family members to pay their respects privately. Media and the general public have been asked to respect the family's privacy during this time. Following the private viewing, the body will be taken to the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, where the public can pay their respects from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tributes and Last Rites
As the procession made its way to the stadium, the scorching heat took a toll on many fans. Numerous people fainted from the intense weather, prompting authorities to set up on-site medical facilities to assist those who collapsed. Despite the difficult conditions, the mourners persevered, continuing to follow the procession with heavy hearts.
The final resting place for the singer has been confirmed as Hatimura in Sonapur. The decision was made after government officials inspected multiple sites to find a suitable location. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been in close contact with officials to ensure all preparations for the funeral are completed.
Garg's mortal remains arrived in Guwahati on a regular flight from Delhi. The casket, covered in a gamosa and flowers, was received at the airport by his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, who broke down upon seeing it. She was accompanied by senior state and central government officials, including Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita.
The Assam government has also announced that it will conduct an inquiry into the singer's death. Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore after a swimming accident, leaves behind an incredible legacy of more than 38,000 songs in 40 languages and dialects.