Himanta Sarma pays tribute to Zubeen Garg on first death anniversary
Synopsis
On the first death anniversary of Assam's beloved 'Pranor Silpi' Zubeen Garg, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted a heartfelt tribute on X, while thousands gathered at Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur for a three-day Zubeen Divas commemoration — marking one year since the icon's sudden passing near Lazarus Island, Singapore.
Key Takeaways
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma shared tribute photos on X on 19 September 2026 , writing 'Miss you Zubeen' on Garg's first death anniversary.
Zubeen Garg died on 19 September 2025 while swimming near Lazarus Island , Singapore, a day before a scheduled NEIF performance.
A three-day Zubeen Divas observance is being held at Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur , the singer's final resting place.
The memorial site has been decorated with flowers and traditional gamosas , with thousands of visitors expected.
The Assam government has extended logistical support for crowd management across the three-day programme.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday, 19 September 2026, paid an emotional tribute to legendary Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg on his first death anniversary, sharing two photographs with the artiste on his personal X account and writing, 'Miss you Zubeen.' The post resonated deeply across Assam, where Garg — popularly called 'Pranor Silpi' (artist of the heart) — remains one of the most beloved cultural figures in living memory.
How Zubeen Garg Passed Away
Zubeen Garg died on 19 September 2025 while swimming near Lazarus Island in Singapore, just a day before he was scheduled to perform at an event organised under the North East International Festival (NEIF). The sudden loss sent waves of grief across Assam and among Northeast India's music community, cutting short the journey of an artist whose work in music and cinema had shaped the cultural identity of the state for decades.
Zubeen Divas: Three Days of Commemoration
A three-day observance called Zubeen Divas began this week at Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur, where the singer's final resting place is located. The memorial site has been adorned with flowers and fresh gamosas — the traditional Assamese white-and-red cloth that carries deep cultural significance — in anticipation of thousands of visitors arriving to pay their respects.
The observance commenced on Thursday morning with a prayer session, followed by a naam-prasanga in the afternoon. Cultural programmes are scheduled for the second day, while the concluding day will feature Bhagawat recitation and Bhaona, classical performative traditions that reflect Assam's spiritual and artistic heritage.
Government Support and Crowd Management
The Assam government has extended logistical support to manage the anticipated crowds at Zubeen Kshetra across the three-day programme. Organisers have appealed to fans, devotees, and visitors to maintain discipline and participate peacefully. Large gatherings are expected throughout the observance, underscoring the enduring reverence Garg commands among his followers.
Zubeen Garg's Legacy in Assamese Culture
Garg occupied a singular space in Assam's contemporary cultural landscape, with his contributions spanning music and cinema. His work forged a deep and lasting connection with audiences within the state and across India's Northeast. Zubeen Kshetra now stands as a permanent tribute to his life and artistry, and the first death anniversary has become a moment of collective remembrance for the millions who grew up listening to his voice.
The scale of commemoration on this first anniversary signals that Garg's influence on Assam's cultural identity remains as potent in death as it was in life.
Point of View
Not just a celebrity. Zubeen Garg was one of those rare artists whose popularity transcended politics, language barriers, and generational divides in a state often fractured along ethnic and community lines. The scale of the Zubeen Divas observance, supported by the state government, also signals how closely Assamese political identity and cultural identity are intertwined. The real question going forward is whether Zubeen Kshetra evolves into a lasting institution that nurtures the next generation of Assamese artists — or remains only a shrine.
NationPress
19 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and how did Zubeen Garg die?
Zubeen Garg died on 19 September 2025 while swimming near Lazarus Island in Singapore, a day before he was scheduled to perform at an event under the North East International Festival (NEIF). His sudden passing prompted widespread mourning across Assam and the Northeast.
What is Zubeen Divas and where is it being held?
Zubeen Divas is a three-day commemorative observance marking the first death anniversary of singer Zubeen Garg. It is being held at Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur, where the artiste's final resting place is located, featuring prayer sessions, cultural programmes, and Bhagawat recitation.
What did Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma post on social media?
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared two photographs with Zubeen Garg on his personal X account and wrote 'Miss you Zubeen' on the occasion of the singer's first death anniversary on 19 September 2026.
Who was Zubeen Garg and why is he significant to Assam?
Zubeen Garg, known as 'Pranor Silpi' (artist of the heart), was one of Assam's most celebrated singers and cultural icons, whose work across music and cinema shaped the state's contemporary cultural identity. His influence extended across Northeast India and resonated with audiences of multiple generations.
Is the Assam government involved in the death anniversary observance?
Yes, the Assam government has extended logistical and administrative support for arrangements at Zubeen Kshetra to manage the large crowds expected during the three-day Zubeen Divas programme. Organisers have also appealed to visitors to maintain discipline throughout the observance.
