Hundreds of fans gathered at Zubeen Khetra in Sonapur on Saturday, September 19, marking one year since the death of Assamese singer and musician Zubeen Garg. Fans, family members, artistes and members of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) came together at the memorial site to remember the singer and celebrate his contribution to Assamese music and culture.
The gathering formed part of a three-day programme called ‘Zubeen Divas’, organised by the Assam government’s Cultural Affairs Department along with other organisations. The programme began on September 17 and concluded on September 19, the first death anniversary of Garg.
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Fans Sing Zubeen Garg’s Songs
Music remained at the centre of the memorial gathering. Fans sang some of Garg’s most popular songs as they paid tribute to the singer.
Artists also created portraits and paintings of Garg. Several admirers brought handwoven gamosas featuring lyrics from his songs. These personal tributes reflected the continuing connection between the singer and his audience.
The memorial site also attracted visitors from different parts of Assam. Many came to remember Garg through music and prayer, while others wanted to be part of the anniversary observance.
AASU Calls for Justice
Alongside the tributes, calls for justice in connection with Garg’s death continued at the memorial site.
AASU Chief Adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya said the organisation had gathered to pay respects to Garg and called for justice. AASU president Utpal Sarma also spoke about preserving and celebrating the singer’s creative legacy.
The calls come one year after Garg died in Singapore on September 19, 2025. His death led to widespread mourning across Assam and prompted demands for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Arun Hazarika Also Demands Justice
Veteran actor Arun Hazarika visited Zubeen Khetra during the anniversary observance. He also reiterated the demand for justice in the case.
Hazarika said the large gathering demonstrated the continuing public interest in Garg’s life and legacy. At the same time, he stressed that the demand for justice should not result in injustice to another person.
Hazarika also welcomed the re-release of Garg’s final film, Roi Roi Binale, in several theatres across Assam. He said Garg’s artistic works should remain available for future generations.
Papon Encourages Young Singers
Singer Angaraag “Papon” Mahanta also visited Zubeen Khetra on Friday. He met Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, and witnessed young fans singing the late singer’s compositions.
Papon encouraged the younger generation to continue singing Garg’s songs. He said young performers should receive encouragement rather than criticism when they attempt to perform the late singer’s music.
His visit highlighted the continuing influence of Garg’s music on younger artists and listeners.
Garima Garg Remembers Her Husband
Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, has also taken part in the anniversary programmes. Speaking at Zubeen Khetra, she said people from different communities and backgrounds had come together to remember the singer.
She highlighted Garg’s creative legacy and said his music, work and message continue to inspire people. The three-day programme included prayers, music, poetry and traditional cultural performances dedicated to his memory.
The gathering has therefore served both as a memorial and as a celebration of Garg’s contribution to Assamese culture.
Calls for ‘Zubeen Divas’ Holiday
Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi also visited Zubeen Khetra and urged the Assam government to declare September 19 as a public holiday in honour of the singer.
Gogoi proposed that the date should officially become ‘Zubeen Divas’ so that fans could observe the anniversary. He also raised concerns about the progress of the memorial site and questioned the pace of the investigation related to Garg’s death.
His remarks added a political dimension to the day’s public tributes, with the focus remaining on Garg’s legacy and the continuing demands surrounding the circumstances of his death.
Zubeen Garg’s Death and the Investigation
Zubeen Garg died in Singapore on September 19, 2025, shortly before he was scheduled to perform at the North East India Festival there. His death triggered an extensive public response in Assam.
The circumstances surrounding his death have remained a subject of investigation and legal proceedings. Public calls for justice have continued alongside the annual remembrance programmes.
It is important to distinguish those public demands from established findings. The legal process remains separate from the cultural events taking place at Zubeen Khetra.
A Year of Remembrance
The first anniversary has brought back memories of Garg’s music, performances and contribution to Assamese culture. His songs have formed a central part of the remembrance activities at Sonapur.
The three-day Zubeen Divas programme has included religious observances, cultural performances and musical tributes. Fans have used the occasion to remember the singer in ways that reflect his wide appeal across Assam.
For many visitors, the gathering has provided a place to mourn his loss while celebrating the work he left behind.
Zubeen Garg’s Musical Legacy Continues
One year after his death, Zubeen Garg remains a major presence in Assam’s cultural memory. His songs continue to be performed by fans and younger singers, while his films and musical works remain part of the state’s popular culture.
The gathering at Zubeen Khetra demonstrates the continuing public interest in his life and work. At the same time, calls for justice show that questions surrounding his death remain important to sections of the public.
As the first death anniversary concludes, the memorial site has brought together remembrance, music and calls for justice. Zubeen Garg’s voice continues to live through his songs, while his fans across Assam continue to keep his memory alive.
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