Assam begins commemorating Zubeen Garg’s first death anniversary

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Zubeen Garg died while swimming off an island near Singapore on September 19, 2025, triggering widespread outrage in Assam. File. | Photo Credit: Ritu Raj Konwar

Assam on Thursday (September 17, 2026) began commemorating cultural icon Zubeen Garg’s first death anniversary with a series of cultural and spiritual programmes at Zubeen Kshetra, his memorial in Sonapur.

The site on National Highway 27 is about 23 km east of Guwahati.

Garg died while swimming off an island near Singapore on September 19, 2025, triggering widespread outrage in Assam. Seven people were arrested in connection with his death.

“We have begun observing his death anniversary by marking September 17 as Zubeen Divas (Day),” the singer-composer’s wife Garima Saikia Garg said.

Assam’s Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Bora said the State Government would handle the logistics and provide other necessary support for the programmes, which include cultural functions and prayer sessions.

Thousands of Garg’s fans are expected to visit Zubeen Kshetra over the three days. As a tribute to the cultural icon, the Assam State Drivers’ Union has offered his fans low-fare rides to and from the venue during these three days.

Although the Singapore Police Force and State Coroner Adam Nakhoda ruled that Garg’s death was a case of accidental drowning with no evidence of foul play or murder, the Assam government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the State police to fix responsibilities.

Of the seven against whom the SIT filed a charge sheet, four are facing murder charges. A special fast-track court in Guwahati is hearing the case.

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