Guwahati, Sep 22 (NationPress) Schools and colleges throughout Assam will be closed on Tuesday to pay their last respects to the legendary singer Zubeen Garg, whose final rites are scheduled to occur on the outskirts of Guwahati, as announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday.

In the Kamrup district, all government offices will also be closed on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters, Sarma shared that the funeral procession for the music legend will be conducted in a simple and respectful manner, with a limited number of vehicles accompanying the ambulance that will carry his remains.

“Along with the ambulance, a small bus will transport his wife, close family members, and friends. No additional vehicles will join the procession. The same smooth journey we had from the airport will continue to the cremation ground,” he stated.

Upon reaching the cremation site, the mortal remains will be carried by pallbearers from the Assam Police, escorting them from the highway to the venue. A guard of honor and a gun salute will be performed before the priest conducts the final rites according to the family’s requests.

“His family is in communication with the priest, and once they arrive, the rituals will commence as they wish. We will follow their instructions,” Sarma added.

To maintain order during this final farewell, the government has imposed strict security and traffic regulations.

Sarma noted that on the day of the funeral, no vehicles will be allowed entry from the Jagiroad side, although those traveling to Meghalaya will be permitted passage.

Traffic from the Jorabat side will also face restrictions for four to five hours to ensure a dignified ceremony.

The government has declared a period of state mourning through Tuesday in honor of the music maestro.

The remains of Zubeen Garg arrived in his hometown on Sunday morning, leading to an outpouring of grief as thousands gathered to catch a final glimpse of their beloved icon.

The body, flown in from Delhi on a commercial flight, landed at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport around 7 A.M. It had been transported to the national capital from Singapore shortly after midnight, where Garg sadly passed away on Friday following a swimming accident.

CM Sarma, along with Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and senior state officials, was present at the airport to receive the body and pay their tributes.

It was CM Sarma who received the late singer's remains at the Delhi airport on Saturday night.