A large number of fans and admirers of legendary Assamese singer-composer Zubeen Garg gathered at his memorial in Kamarkuchi, on the outskirts of Guwahati, on September 18, a day ahead of his first death anniversary.
Visitors paid tribute by singing his popular songs, sketching and painting his portraits, and bringing hand-woven gamosas featuring lyrics from his songs and other tokens of remembrance.
Garg’s first death anniversary is being observed through a three-day programme titled ‘Zubeen Divas’ at his funeral site from September 19. The programme is jointly organised by the state Cultural Department, Kalaguru Artist Foundation, Zubeen Garg Fan Club and other organisations.
Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, joined mourners at the memorial on the opening day, where Naam-prasanga, prayers and other programmes were held. Fans also spontaneously sang Garg’s songs in his memory.
Cultural and tribute programmes continued, with artists and performers from across Assam arriving at the memorial. Painters created portraits of Garg at the site, while others brought artworks and memorabilia associated with his music.
Garg died on September 19 last year after drowning while swimming off Lazarus Island in Singapore, a day before he was scheduled to perform at the North East India Festival.
His death triggered an unprecedented outpouring of grief across Assam. The Assam Police CID’s Special Investigation Team investigated the death and filed a chargesheet before a local court in December, naming seven accused, four of whom face murder charges. The case is being heard by a special fast-track sessions court.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the Assam Assembly in November that the death was a case of “plain and simple murder”. Singapore Police, which conducted a separate investigation, however, concluded that there was no evidence of foul play.
