Guwahati: Assam on Tuesday marked the 53rd birth anniversary of cultural icon Zubeen Garg with state-wide tributes, the first such observance since his death on September 19.
From political parties to fan groups, organisations across the state held day-long programmes to honour the beloved singer, actor and composer.
Fans began the commemorations at midnight outside Garg’s Kahilipara residence, cutting a cake placed before his photograph and singing his birthday song along with several of his evergreen hits.
His wife Garima Saikia Garg and sister Palmee Borthakur joined the gathering in a quiet, emotional moment.
Through the morning, admirers from across Assam streamed into ‘Zubeen Kshetra’, the site of his cremation, offering gamosas and flowers, lighting lamps and singing his songs in remembrance.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid tribute on X, writing, “Some presence fades from sight but shines brighter in memory. Today, we honour the enduring legacy of an artist who was, will and forever be our heartthrob.”
Political parties marked the day with their own commemorative programmes.
The BJP organised a blood donation camp, while the Congress announced an evening memorial titled Kanchanjunga — Sanskriti Houk Maitreyir Mantra, aimed at celebrating Garg’s cultural contributions and reaffirming its call for justice in the circumstances surrounding his death. Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi is scheduled to attend.
The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a BJP ally, observed the day as Jatiya Swabhiman Diwas, holding a tribute ceremony, a blood donation camp, performances of Garg’s songs and a sapling plantation drive at its party office.
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The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) continued its three-day tribute programme, which began Sunday, organising art camps, cycle rallies and plantation drives across all district headquarters.
The All Assam Zubeen Garg Fan Club and the Gauhati Press Club also held their own remembrance events.
Born in Tura, Meghalaya, on November 18, 1972, Zubeen Garg died in Singapore on September 19 while participating in the North East India Festival.
He passed away after a swimming-related incident during a yacht trip.
