The outpouring of grief following the death of Zubeen Garg, the Assam's beloved singer and cultural icon, has seen a remarkable transformation from spontaneous street protests to organized tributes, largely driven by the youth. Termed "Gen-Zubeen," this generation has taken to the streets, social media, and public spaces to express their love and respect for the artist who deeply influenced Assam's cultural landscape.
When news of Zubeen Garg's death broke, shock and heartbreak rippled across Assam. On September 21, 2025, as his body was being transported, thousands of fans, particularly young people, gathered on National Highway 37 near Jorhat. They blocked the procession, demanding a public tribute and final viewing of his mortal remains. This unprecedented act brought traffic to a standstill for nearly 11 hours, affecting inter-district transport and emergency services. Protesters lit candles, chanted slogans like "Zubeen Lives Forever," and carried placards expressing their desire for a last goodbye.
The protesters felt that authorities weren't giving the public a fair chance to bid farewell to someone who was more than just a singer; he was a symbol of Assamese pride and identity. After negotiations, local officials agreed to hold a public tribute ceremony in the city's heart, and the blockade was lifted.
The Chief Minister of Assam announced a second autopsy to be conducted on Zubeen Garg, after the first one was done in Singapore, in response to public demand and to eliminate any suspicion of foul play. In honor of the singer, the CM declared a holiday for all educational institutions and government offices in Kamrup (Metro) on the day of his cremation. The post-mortem was scheduled to take place at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) with a team of experts from AIIMS.
Beyond the initial protests, a massive protest march was organized in Sivasagar on September 25, demanding a CBI probe into Zubeen Garg's death. The streets echoed with slogans of "Justice for Zubeen" as citizens sought a transparent investigation. The rally began at Bhupen Hazarika's statue, where tributes were paid before the march. Students, youth organizations, and ordinary citizens participated, and a mass signature campaign was launched to support the demand for justice.
The state government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the circumstances surrounding Garg's death, assuring a thorough and impartial inquiry. The Chief Minister also appealed to the public to share any evidence related to potential conspiracies.
Zubeen Garg's influence extended beyond music. He was known for defying the status quo and speaking his mind, regardless of the consequences. His quote, "I have no caste, I have no religion," resonated with many, although it also drew criticism from some. He was a voice against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), unafraid of political repercussions.
The collective grief in Assam is not just a momentary outburst but a testament to the deep connection each person had with Zubeen Garg's songs and his persona. The memorials planned in Guwahati and Jorhat will serve as lasting tributes to his legacy. The state government is also arranging for the singer's 13th-day rituals to be held in Jorhat, fulfilling the wishes of his family. The youth of Assam have ensured that his legacy will live on, immortalized in the hearts of the people.
