Guwahati, October 19, 2025: It has been a month since the untimely death of Assam’s cultural icon, Zubeen Garg, yet the state continues to grieve, grappling with the uncertainty surrounding his final moments. The singer, composer, and performer, whose influence spanned generations, tragically passed away while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19. Since then, his death has left an indelible void in the hearts of fans, friends, and the wider Assamese community.

Garg’s wife, Garima, spoke to reporters at the singer’s studio in the Zoo Road area of Guwahati, describing the collective anguish felt by the family and the state. “The family, along with the people of Assam, is waiting to know what happened in his final moments. We have faith in the legal system to unravel the truth,” she said. Garima emphasized that the family seeks a transparent and straightforward investigation, reflective of Zubeen’s own nature.

Hundreds of admirers flocked to Garg’s cremation site at Sonapur, on the outskirts of Guwahati, from the early hours of the morning, paying homage to the artist who had become an enduring symbol of Assamese music and culture. Fans also visited his residence in Kahilipara and his studio in Zoo Road, joining his family in remembering his life and legacy.

A ten-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Assam Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is actively probing Garg’s death. To date, seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. The SIT’s investigation is being conducted alongside the Singapore Police, with Assam officers scheduled to visit Singapore as part of the cross-border inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Garg’s demise.

As part of the one-month remembrance, the family organized Vedic rituals at Garg’s studio, honoring his memory in accordance with traditional customs. Garg’s father, wife, sister, and close family members participated in these ceremonies, which were conducted with solemnity and reverence. Garima noted the significance of performing the rituals at the studio, stating, “This studio was dear to him. Since the initial rituals were performed at our residence and in Jorhat, we decided to complete the Vedic ceremonies here after one month.”

Garima expressed hope that the ongoing investigation would provide clarity. “We have faith in the investigation. Whom do we trust if not our own legal system? Zubeen was a straightforward person, and we want a straightforward investigation. We are all waiting peacefully to know what happened. The people of Assam are waiting to know the truth about his last moments,” she added.

The tribute drew prominent artists and collaborators, including Italian opera singer Gioconda Vessichelli, who had worked with Garg on a yet-to-be-released film project. Vessichelli traveled to Guwahati to pay her respects, reflecting on the bond she shared with the singer. “Zubeen da used to say that she is his tigress, who stood by him in good and bad times. And he was right,” Vessichelli said, standing alongside Garima. She also recalled her visits to Guwahati during earlier collaborations and expressed her admiration for Garg’s family, highlighting the warmth and love that surrounded him. “There is so much love in the family. I feel Zubeen da is here. I already feel the gods have done justice to Zubeen Garg,” she added, referencing the massive outpouring of grief and homage from his fans.

Fans traveled from across Assam and neighboring regions to pay their respects. Groups arrived in buses and private vehicles, carrying photographs, personal memorabilia, and offerings in memory of the singer. A woman from Boko in Kamrup district shared that her group had booked two buses to participate in the memorial, explaining, “We wanted to be here with Zubeen da and pay our homage.” Another contingent of women from West Karbi Anglong district brought framed photographs as a mark of their final respect.

Devotees also brought traditional Assamese ‘gamosas’ inscribed with lyrics from Garg’s songs, along with incense sticks and earthen lamps, lighting them at the cremation site as a symbol of remembrance. Throughout the day, fans raised slogans such as ‘Joi Zubeen’ and ‘Justice for Zubeen,’ reflecting both their love for the singer and their desire for clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death.

In addition to personal tributes, public performances of his songs were organized at the site, while ‘Naam’ – devotional musical renditions – were performed by devotees from various parts of the state. The programs highlighted Garg’s profound impact on Assamese music and culture, illustrating the deep emotional connection that fans continue to feel.

As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on establishing the sequence of events leading to Garg’s passing. The involvement of both Assam’s CID and Singapore Police underscores the complexity of the case, with cross-border legal and investigative coordination necessary to uncover the facts. Authorities have assured the family and public that the probe is being conducted meticulously and that any relevant findings will be made available upon completion.

The mourning across Assam reflects Garg’s stature as more than just a musician; he was a cultural ambassador whose work resonated deeply with people of all ages. His songs, performances, and collaborations have left a lasting legacy that continues to influence contemporary Assamese music. The widespread public grief, evident in thousands attending memorial activities over the past month, is a testament to the unique place he held in the hearts of his fans.

Even a month after his passing, the streets of Guwahati and the areas surrounding Garg’s studio and residence have been frequented by admirers, paying quiet respects or engaging in collective remembrance through song, ritual, and reflection. The communal expressions of grief underscore the enduring bond between Zubeen Garg and the people of Assam, bridging personal loss with a shared cultural experience.

As fans, family, and authorities continue to await answers regarding the final moments of Zubeen Garg’s life, the one-month commemoration stands as both a tribute and a call for clarity. For the people of Assam, the hope remains that the investigation will shed light on the circumstances of his untimely death, allowing closure while preserving the memory of a man whose music and spirit became inseparable from the cultural fabric of the state.