What led to the farewell of Zubeen Garg in Assam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Zubeen Garg was a cultural icon in Assam, known for his extensive musical contributions.
- His untimely passing has left a profound impact on his fans and the music community.
- Thousands gathered to honor his legacy during his final journey.
- The Assam government is involved in the arrangements for his cremation.
- Garg's music transcended language and regional boundaries.
Guwahati, Sep 21 (NationPress) The remains of Assam's beloved artist, Zubeen Garg, returned to his hometown on Sunday morning, igniting a wave of sorrow as thousands gathered along the streets to pay their final respects to their idol.
The body, transported from Delhi via a commercial flight, landed at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport around 7 a.m.
It had been flown to the national capital from Singapore shortly after midnight, following the tragic incident where Garg lost his life in a swimming accident on Friday. His wife, Garima Saikia Garg, was overcome with emotion as the casket was lowered near the runway.
She placed a traditional Assamese gamosa and flowers on the casket before accompanying it in a flower-adorned ambulance.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, and senior state officials were present at the airport to honor the late singer.
It was Chief Minister Sarma who received the mortal remains at the Delhi airport on Saturday night. From there, the convoy began its slow journey to Garg's residence in Kahilipara, a mere 25 km away. However, the roads were congested with tens of thousands of mourners, making the trip painfully slow.
People showered petals on the ambulance, sang his songs together, and held up banners, cut-outs, and gamosas inscribed with 'Zubeen Garg Forever.'
Many were in tears, lamenting, "Why Zubeen da, why did you leave us so soon?"
Leading the procession were Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh and Guwahati Police Commissioner Parthasarathi Mahanta, clearing a path for the ambulance. Following closely was Garg's cherished open jeep, carrying his portrait and members of his music troupe.
The singer's body was first taken to his home in Kahilipara, where family members, including his 85-year-old ailing father, were given private time to say goodbye.
Access to the lane was restricted to honor the family's wish for privacy. Later in the day, the remains will be displayed at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex, allowing the public to pay their respects.
The Assam Cabinet is expected to announce the cremation venue later this evening. Markets across parts of Assam remained closed as the state mourned the loss of an artist who, throughout three decades, voiced over 38,000 songs in 40 languages and dialects.
For millions, Zubeen Garg was not merely a singer but a profound emotion—his final journey home was marked by a flood of humanity united in grief.