The Assam government has declared a three-day state mourning following the death of singer Zubeen Garg. The announcement was made through a post on X from the official handle of the state’s Chief Secretary.
The statement read, “The Government of Assam expresses deep shock and sorrow at the passing of Shri Zubeen Garg, eminent singer, filmmaker and cultural icon. State mourning has been declared from 20th to 22nd September. During this period, there will be no official entertainment, dinners, or ceremonial functions. Seva Saptah programmes that involve ceremonial events or distribution of benefits are postponed as a mark of respect. However, service-oriented activities such as health camps, Nikshay Mitra support for TB patients, and plantation drives will continue.”
On 20 September, streets across Assam wore a deserted look as business establishments remained closed. Posters and photographs of Garg, many decorated with garlands, were seen in towns and cities as admirers mourned his death.
Preparations are also underway at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, where his mortal remains will be placed for the public to pay their respects. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the venue to review arrangements.
Garg, 52, passed away on 19 September after suffering a seizure while swimming at Lazarus Island in Singapore. He had travelled there to perform at the fourth edition of the Northeast Festival, which was scheduled to begin on 20 September. Despite receiving intensive medical care, doctors were unable to save him.
His death has plunged Assam and the wider Northeast into grief, with lakhs of admirers awaiting his return for a final farewell.
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