The North East India Festival (NEIF), held in Singapore from September 19-21, 2025, aimed to showcase the rich culture, trade, and tourism potential of India's North Eastern Region (NER) to an international audience. The event, organized by Trend MMS with support from the Indian High Commission, Ministry of External Affairs, and state governments of the North East, also commemorated the 60th anniversary of India-Singapore diplomatic relations and aligned with the India-ASEAN Year of Tourism.
Tragedy struck when Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, a major draw for the festival, passed away in Singapore on Friday. According to festival organizers, Garg died at 2:30 pm at Singapore General Hospital after experiencing complications while swimming during a yacht trip. Other reports indicated he suffered breathing issues during scuba diving. Garg's wife refuted claims of scuba diving, stating he had a seizure while swimming. The cause of death was not clear initially. Following Garg's death, the festival was cancelled.
Shyamkanu Mahanta, the festival's chief organiser, confirmed that Zubeen Garg's visit to Singapore was not solely for the festival performance; he also wanted to relax. Garg had planned activities with the Assam Association in Singapore.
Zubeen Garg, 52, was a prominent figure in Assam's cultural landscape, known as a singer, songwriter, actor, and filmmaker. His death has been widely mourned, with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma calling it a "tragic beyond words" and stating that Assam had "lost one of its favourite sons". Condolences poured in from fans and colleagues alike.
Following his death, multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed against Shyam Kanu Mahanta and his manager, Siddhartha Sharma. Assam's Chief Minister has requested a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Garg's death.
The Singaporean authorities conducted a post-mortem, and his mortal remains were handed over to Indian authorities. His remains are expected to be kept at Sarusajai, Guwahati, to allow fans to pay their last tributes.
The North East India Festival featured cultural performances, trade opportunities, and tourism attractions. It aimed to strengthen connections between NER and ASEAN markets through exhibitions, trade meets, and live entertainment. The event included a business forum with investor roundtables, enabling Singaporean industrialists to meet North East leaders and explore collaboration opportunities. The main exhibition showcased GI products, agri-horti items, food processing goods, and handicrafts. Cultural acts included traditional dances and a fashion show of silk creations. The festival also planned to feature musical acts, including Bollywood singer Zubeen Garg, Tripura rapper Borkung Hrangkhal, and Meghalaya rock bands.
