Assam declares three-day state mourning in honour of Zubeen Garg, CM to receive late singer's mortal remains

Zubeen Garg. File pic

The Assam government has announced a three-day state mourning in the wake of the death of singer Zubeen Garg, reported news agency ANI. The Assam CMO stated that there will be no official entertainment, ceremonial programmes or public celebrations during the period. However, "essential activities" will be carried out under the 'Sewa Saptah' campaign. The decision for three-day state mourning was taken by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

"In loving memory of Assam's eternal voice, Zubeen Garg. As a mark of respect, HCM Dr @himantabiswa has directed that State Mourning be declared from 20th to 22nd September 2025. During this period, all official entertainment, ceremonial programs and public celebrations will be in abeyance. Assam Government stands in solidarity with the people in mourning beloved Zubeen. His legacy will forever resonate in our hearts. Essential service activities under 'Sewa Saptah' will continue, while ceremonial or benefit-distribution events stand postponed," a tweet by CM Sarma read.

Earlier, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam's chief minister, also provided an update on the mortal remains of late singer Zubeen Garg, who died at the age of 52 in Singapore on Friday.

On Saturday, the CM posted on X (previously Twitter) that Garg's post-mortem will be conducted in Singapore, after which his "mortal remains will be handed over to Indian authorities." In another tweet, he stated that his mortal remains will be kept in Sarusajai, Guwahati, for supporters "to pay their last tributes".

Garg's sudden demise has left a deep void among his fans in Assam and outside the state.

Sarma, who has been in constant touch with the authorities in Singapore, said he has requested them for a detailed inquiry into the circumstances leading to Garg's death, ANI reported.

"I spoke to the High Commissioner of Singapore, His Excellency Simon Wong, and requested a detailed enquiry into the circumstances leading to the untimely demise of our beloved Zubeen Garg. Excellency has assured me of complete cooperation in this regard," he said in a post on X.

The Assam CM will travel to the national capital on Saturday to receive Garg's mortal remains.

"I will be going to Delhi later today to receive our beloved Zubeen's mortal remains from Singapore. From there, we will immediately bring him back to Guwahati, hopefully by 6 am," he added.

Meanwhile, fans across Assam, including in Guwahati and Jorhat, were seen breaking down as they paid emotional tributes to the beloved singer.

(With inputs from ANI)