It has been a month since Assam lost one of its brightest stars, Zubeen Garg. On 19 September 2025, the music world and the heart of Assam stood still as news of his passing spread. The grief has not faded; it has only transformed into reverence — a deep, enduring love for the man whose voice was more than music, whose presence was more than celebrity, and whose life embodied dedication to his roots.
Over the past month, Assam has witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of emotion. From the bustling streets of Guwahati to the quiet corners of remote villages, people have come together to honour his life. Public fields, auditoriums, and community halls have become spaces of tribute, where fans of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities gather to pay homage. Specially-abled individuals, the visually impaired, and those with mobility challenges have all made their presence felt, demonstrating that Zubeen’s impact transcended barriers of age, health, and circumstance. His music, his words, and his life have united Assam in a collective expression of sorrow, memory, and respect.
Zubeen’s resting place in Sonapur has become a pilgrimage site for thousands. Every day and night, people from across Assam and beyond visit his grave to offer prayers, flowers, and tears. The air around the site is filled with devotion and love — a silent song that never ends. Visitors come bearing personal tokens — hats, gold chains, gamosas, watches, photo frames, and even handwritten letters — each placed gently beside his tomb as a gesture of remembrance. Many call it an act of “returning love” to the man who gave them hope and happiness through his art. Every day, 10,000 to 15,000 gamosas are offered by fans. Travellers passing along the Sonapur route often stop their vehicles briefly to bow their heads in respect, making it a ritual — a moment of connection, reflection, and gratitude for the man who became Assam’s eternal melody.
Even animals seem to sense his spirit. Dogs, birds, and stray cattle are often seen sitting quietly near his grave, as if keeping vigil for the artist who had always cared for the voiceless. The sight has moved many to tears, reinforcing the belief that Zubeen’s soul continues to touch all forms of life.
The cultural impact of Zubeen Garg is immeasurable. His songs — both timeless classics and contemporary hits — continue to echo across the state, in homes, shops, vehicles, and public spaces. Radio stations, television channels, and online streaming platforms have dedicated special programmes to celebrate his work, keeping his melodies alive in the hearts of listeners. Cinema halls have also paid tribute through special screenings of his films, reminding audiences of the many facets of his artistry. Beyond entertainment, these tributes reflect a society collectively trying to hold onto the presence of someone whose absence is deeply felt.
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Social media has captured this public grief and reverence in remarkable ways. Fans have flooded platforms with videos, messages, and stories about their personal connections to Zubeen Garg. Hashtags in his memory have trended repeatedly, as people share not just his music, but their experiences of his kindness, generosity, and guidance. In a particularly touching development, videos have surfaced of children singing “Mayabini” during school recreation periods, transforming the song into a haunting anthem of remembrance. These young voices, some barely old enough to remember Zubeen’s early work, echo the lyrics with emotion and respect. Across classrooms and schoolyards, the song resonates as a bridge between generations, reminding everyone that Zubeen’s influence is timeless, crossing age and boundaries, and touching hearts young and old.
Amid the tributes, there has also been visible unrest and tension at times, reflecting the depth of public emotion surrounding his death. Certain events connected to investigations into his passing sparked protests and demonstrations, showing how deeply he was loved and how much he meant to Assam. But even in these moments, the overriding sentiment has remained one of hope and remembrance rather than anger. The people of Assam are not only mourning; they are holding onto his legacy, determined to keep his values, music, and vision alive.
Zubeen’s commitment to Assam, often expressed in his own words — “A king should never leave his kingdom” — resonates more profoundly now. Throughout his life, he remained deeply connected to his roots, never abandoning his land or people despite the pressures of fame and international recognition. This rootedness, this loyalty to his homeland, is part of a legacy that has inspired generations. Fans and fellow artists alike speak not only of his artistic brilliance but also of his unwavering dedication to Assam, whether through philanthropy, activism, or cultural engagement. In remembering Zubeen, Assam remembers a man who stood for its identity, pride, and voice.
Another aspect that has emerged strongly in the past month is the public’s insistence on preserving the integrity of Zubeen Garg’s work. Piracy and unauthorised use of his music and films have been widely condemned by fans, echoing his own stance against such practices. People have urged one another to respect his legacy by honouring the originality of his creations. In doing so, they are not only preserving the work of a legendary artist but also reinforcing the values he stood for — respect, authenticity, and artistic integrity.
Over this month, stories of Zubeen Garg’s personal kindness have circulated widely. Accounts of his generosity, humility, and mentorship reveal a side of the superstar that few outside his inner circle truly knew. From quietly supporting young talent to engaging with social causes, he lived a life deeply intertwined with the well-being of others. Fans and communities are not only grieving the loss of a musician but celebrating the life of a man who touched countless lives in ways big and small.
Every corner of Assam is filled with shraddhanjali, as people of all ages gather in public spaces to pay their respects and honour his memory — including the specially-abled, the visually impaired, and those with mobility challenges. From towns to villages, from schools to workplaces, Zubeen’s music and spirit have become a thread that binds the community in a shared act of remembrance. This unity, this collective homage, reveals the profound depth of his connection to the people of Assam.
This month, without Zubeen Garg, has been a journey of reflection for Assam. It has been a time of sorrow, yes, but also a period of collective gratitude and celebration. It has reminded people how one individual’s creativity, passion, and integrity can leave an indelible mark on a community, a state, and a culture. In every song played, every story shared, every tribute held, every gamusa offered at Sonapur, and every child singing “Mayabini” in school, Assam has continued to keep Zubeen’s spirit alive. His music remains a companion in moments of joy and sorrow alike, a timeless echo of the soul of the state.
As we move forward, this month serves as a reminder that while Zubeen Garg may no longer walk among us, his voice, his vision, and his values endure. Assam mourns him, yes, but it also celebrates him — a celebration that is as much about memory as it is about inspiration for the future. In remembering Zubeen, we remember the power of art to unite, the importance of staying true to one’s roots, and the enduring impact one life can have on millions.
A month without Zubeen Garg has shown us the profound depth of his connection with Assam. And though his absence is deeply felt, his presence continues — in music, in memory, and in the hearts of every Assamese who ever listened, danced, or found solace in his songs. In every note, Assam still hears him. In every street, every stage, every melody, every schoolyard where “Mayabini” is sung, and every quiet vigil at Sonapur, his legacy lives on. Assam’s eternal melody, Zubeen Garg, is gone from sight, but he remains present in every heart that beats to his music.
Also read | Assam govt appoints one-man inquiry commission to probe Zubeen Garg’s death