Zubeen Garg, best known for his chartbuster sing ‘Ya Ali’, passed away at the age of 52. While initial reports suggested a scuba diving accident, his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, clarified that the singer actually suffered a seizure while swimming. Zubeen, who was scheduled to perform at the North East India Festival on September 20 and 21, leaves behind a significant void in the Indian music industry.
Thousands of people gathered along the streets of Guwahati as his body started its last journey home from Kahilipara airport on Sunday morning.
When the casket arrived, it was taken out from the luggage area and placed near the runway. Garima Saikia was seen crying heavily as she paid her respects with flowers and covered the coffin with an Assamese ‘gamosa’.
Emotional video surfaces:
At Guwahati Airport, Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, paid her final tribute.
— Nandan Pratim Sharma Bordoloi (@NANDANPRATIM) September 21, 2025
Millions of people wait along the highway. Such a heroic farewell is rare in the world.#Zubeen_Garg pic.twitter.com/4qZlEFl9jb
Zubeen’s body was kept at his Kahilipara home for about 90 minutes so that family members, including his 85 year old father, could pay their last respects. After that, it will be taken to the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, where the public can offer their tributes from 9 AM to 7 PM. The Assam Cabinet will decide the cremation details in a meeting on Sunday evening.
The Assam government has also announced a three-day state mourning as a tribute to Zubeen. Assam CMO stated that there will be no official entertainment, ceremonial programs, or public celebrations during the period.
Meanwhile, Assam Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu stated, “The entire Assam is in a state of shock… There is a Cabinet meeting today. Anything pertaining to this incident or any relevant matters will be discussed, and decisions will be taken.”
