Abhijit Chaliha, Guwahati: Assam fell into silence on September 23, as Sonapur witnessed the final farewell to its dearest son, Zubeen Garg. The voice that had once carried love, rebellion, and hope for an entire generation was laid to rest at the Hatimura cremation ground, leaving behind a void too deep to measure.
At exactly 10:55 am, Zubeen’s mortal remains reached Hatimura. By then, thousands had already gathered since dawn, clutching flowers and memories, their eyes brimming with tears. The atmosphere was heavy, not just with grief, but with disbelief—how could a voice that defined the very heartbeat of Assam fall silent so soon?
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From the very morning, the streets bore witness to the bond between Zubeen and his people. Along the funeral route, men, women, and children stood in long lines, showering petals, whispering prayers, and silently weeping as the procession passed. It was a farewell not to just an artist, but to someone who had become a symbol of their identity, their joy, and their struggles.
At Hatimura, Zubeen’s family stood closest to the pyre. His wife Garima, his father, his sister—all visibly shattered—held each other for strength as the rituals unfolded. Around them, fans from distant towns and villages shared the same grief, proving once again how Zubeen had belonged to everyone.
Political leaders, student organizations, and cultural bodies came together in a rare moment of unity. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Kiren Rijiju, Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia, along with countless others, offered floral tributes. Representatives of student unions and cultural groups stood shoulder to shoulder with ordinary fans, bound by one shared love—Zubeen.
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As the final rites were performed, the air was pierced by chants of “Zubeen Dada Amar Rahok” (May Zubeen live forever). Some sobbed uncontrollably, others stood frozen, still unable to accept the truth.
And yet, even in that silence, his songs lingered. Zubeen may have left the world, but his music—woven into Assam’s soul—will echo across generations, reminding everyone that true legends never really die.
