Assam Declares Three-Day State Mourning for Zubeen Garg, Cancels Official Events

The Assam government has announced three days of state mourning from September 20 to 22, 2025, to honour the memory of Zubeen Garg, the iconic Assamese singer, filmmaker, and cultural luminary who tragically passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025.

In an official statement, the government expressed profound grief, describing Garg as a “towering figure” whose contributions to Assamese music, cinema, and culture will forever resonate across the state and beyond.

“Assam is deeply shaken by the loss of Shri Zubeen Garg, a celebrated singer, filmmaker, and cultural ambassador. To honour his legacy, the state has declared mourning from September 20 to 22,” the statement read.

As a mark of respect, all official entertainment programs, ceremonial functions, and state dinners have been cancelled during this period.

Additionally, events under the Seva Saptah initiative involving ceremonies or benefit distributions will be deferred.

However, essential public welfare activities, such as health camps, Nikshay Mitra support for tuberculosis patients, and tree plantation drives, will proceed as scheduled to ensure continued service delivery.

Zubeen Garg, aged 52, met with a fatal accident while swimming and diving in Singapore during the North East India Festival. He reportedly sustained injuries and was rushed to Singapore General Hospital, where he succumbed in the intensive care unit despite medical efforts. Known for his soulful voice and genre-defining Assamese songs, as well as his Bollywood hit “Ya Ali” from Gangster (2006), Garg was a cultural icon whose music bridged regional and national audiences.

The singer’s untimely death has triggered an outpouring of grief, with tributes flooding in from leaders, artists, and fans across India.

His mortal remains are expected to arrive in Guwahati on Sunday morning, September 21, 2025, and will be kept at his Kahilipara residence for a private family tribute before being placed at Sarusajai Stadium for public homage.