The state of Assam is in mourning following the death of Zubeen Garg, the beloved singer and cultural icon, who passed away on September 19, 2025, at the age of 52 in Singapore. Garg, best known for his hit song "Ya Ali," was in Singapore to participate in the North East Festival when the tragic incident occurred. He was found unconscious in the waters and rushed to a local hospital, but doctors were unable to save his life. His death is suspected to have been caused by an epileptic seizure, as he had experienced such episodes over the past five years.
The news of Zubeen Garg's sudden demise has sent shockwaves throughout the music industry and has devastated fans across India. Markets shut down in parts of Assam as the news spread, and fans gathered in large numbers to pay their respects at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati. The Assam government declared three days of official mourning.
Singer Papon arrived in Assam on September 21 and went directly to Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati to pay his final respects to Zubeen Garg. A visibly emotional Papon was seen standing near Zubeen's widow, Garima Saikia, as thousands of mourners gathered to bid farewell to Assam's cultural ambassador. Papon acknowledged Zubeen's unmatched contributions to Indian music, stating that Zubeen's legacy is irreplaceable and deeply impactful. He admitted that he could never fill the void left by Zubeen in Assam.
Papon also addressed the criticism he has faced for building his career outside Assam. He acknowledged that people viewed Zubeen as the brother who gave his all to Assam, while he himself had been away. He emphasized that they had followed different career paths.
Zubeen Garg's body was displayed in a glass casket draped with a traditional Assamese 'gamosa', allowing fans to pay their respects. Lakhs of people lined up at the Sarusajai stadium in Guwahati to pay their last respects. Many traveled from different parts of the state to pay their homage, awaiting their turn since Sunday to see their idol one last time. Dignitaries, including Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, singer Papon, and a representative from the King of Bhutan, also paid their respects at the stadium. Zubeen's four canine companions – Iko, Diya, Rambo, and Maya – were also brought to the stadium by the family for a final goodbye.
In response to public demand, a second autopsy was performed on Garg's body on Tuesday to rule out any foul play. The cremation took place on September 23 at Kamarkuchi in Sonapur, near Guwahati, with full state honors. About 85 family members and close associates attended the ceremony. A 21-gun salute was fired in honor of Zubeen Garg during his final journey. His ashes will be immersed in Jorhat city.
