Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remembered legendary singer and musician Zubeen Garg on Saturday, September 19, marking his first death anniversary. Sarma shared two photographs with the late singer on his personal X account. Along with the photographs, he wrote a short but emotional message: “Miss you Zubeen.”
The message came as Assam observed the first anniversary of Garg’s death. Across the state, fans, musicians, artists and admirers gathered to remember the singer and celebrate his contribution to Assamese music and culture.
Garg died in September 2025. His sudden death created an enormous wave of grief across Assam. One year later, people continue to remember him through his songs, photographs, prayers and cultural programmes.
Assam Marks Zubeen Garg’s First Death Anniversary
Assam has organised several programmes to mark the Zubeen Garg first death anniversary. The main commemorative programme is taking place at Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur, where the singer’s final resting place stands.
The three-day programme, known as ‘Zubeen Divas’, began on September 17 and concludes on September 19. The programme brings together prayers, cultural performances and traditional religious activities.
The first day included an all-faith prayer and Naam-prasanga. Organisers planned cultural programmes for the second day. The final day includes Bhagawat Naam and a Bhaona performance.
The Assam government has supported the arrangements at the memorial site. Officials have made arrangements to help visitors and manage the large number of people expected to attend the programmes.
Fans Gather at Zubeen Kshetra
Thousands of fans have travelled to Zubeen Kshetra to pay their respects. Many visitors have brought flowers and gamosas to the memorial. Others have remembered Garg by singing his songs and creating portraits of the singer.
Fans gathered at the memorial on Friday, a day before the anniversary. Several visitors sang Garg’s popular numbers while artists created portraits in his memory. These tributes showed how closely his music remains connected with the people of Assam.
The memorial has also become a place where people can share memories of the singer. His songs continue to bring together people from different generations. For many admirers, singing his songs has become a personal way of remembering him.
‘Zubeen Divas’ Brings People Together
The three-day Zubeen Divas programme reflects the different ways people remember Garg. Organisers have included music, prayer, poetry and traditional performances in the programme.
Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, has also spoken about his continuing influence. She said his music, creativity and message continue to live through the people who loved him. She also noted that people from different communities and backgrounds had gathered to remember him.
The programme gives fans an opportunity to celebrate Garg’s artistic journey. It also highlights his place in Assam’s contemporary cultural landscape.
Zubeen Garg’s Contribution to Assamese Culture
Zubeen Garg built a wide-ranging career as a singer, composer, actor and filmmaker. His work covered several Indian languages, but his connection with Assamese music remained central to his identity as an artist.
Fans often called him “Pranor Silpi”, or the artist of the heart. His distinctive voice and energetic performances helped him build a strong connection with audiences across Assam.
His music reached different generations. Older listeners connected with his earlier works, while younger audiences continued to discover his songs through social media, streaming platforms and live performances.
Garg also contributed to Assamese cinema and popular culture. His artistic work extended beyond singing and included composition, songwriting, acting and filmmaking.
A Year After His Sudden Death
Garg died in Singapore on September 19, 2025. His death shocked fans across Assam and led to an extraordinary public outpouring of grief.
The first anniversary has once again brought those memories to the forefront. People have gathered at his memorial, listened to his songs and spoken about his contribution to Assam.
The anniversary also comes as legal proceedings connected to his death continue. A special fast-track court in Guwahati is hearing the case, while the matter remains under judicial consideration.
The commemorative events, however, have largely focused on remembering Garg’s life, music and cultural contribution.
His Music Continues to Live On
One year after his death, Zubeen Garg’s songs remain part of everyday life in Assam. Fans continue to listen to his music, perform his songs and share his work with younger audiences.
His influence can also be seen at the anniversary programmes. Visitors have used music as a way to express their emotions and remember the singer. Young performers have also taken part in tributes, keeping his songs connected with a new generation.
For many people, Garg’s absence has not ended their relationship with his music. His recorded voice continues to reach listeners, while his songs remain a part of cultural and social gatherings across Assam.
‘Miss You Zubeen’ Echoes Across Assam
Himanta Biswa Sarma’s simple message, “Miss you Zubeen,” captured the mood of the first death anniversary. His tribute came as fans gathered across Assam to remember one of the state’s most recognisable musical figures.
The first Zubeen Garg death anniversary has become a moment of remembrance, music and cultural celebration. At Zubeen Kshetra, fans continue to sing his songs and pay their respects.
For Assam, September 19 marks one year since the loss of Zubeen Garg. Yet his voice continues to reach listeners. His songs remain familiar, his work continues to inspire performers, and his contribution remains part of Assam’s modern cultural memory.
As the state remembers him, Sarma’s words reflect the emotion shared by many admirers: “Miss you Zubeen.”