Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the late musical icon Zubeen Garg will be cremated with full state honours on September 23 near Guwahati. 

The decision was taken after thousands of fans continued to gather across Assam to pay their last respects to the beloved singer, who passed away in Singapore on Friday.

Cremation site finalised at Sonapur

Speaking after a cabinet meeting, CM Sarma said, “We have decided to cremate the legendary singer Zubeen Garg on September 23, close to Disang Resort in Sonapur. Many people are still coming to pay their homage to their beloved Zubeen Garg.”

He acknowledged demands from Jorhat residents, who wanted Garg to be laid to rest in his childhood town.

However, after consultations with his wife, Garima Garg, and family members, the final decision was made to conduct the cremation near Guwahati.

Fans to get more time for final homage

To accommodate the overwhelming outpouring of grief, CM Sarma said the Bhogeswar Baruah Stadium in Sarusajai will remain open round-the-clock.

“More and more people wish to see our beloved Zubeen one last time, and we deeply understand these sentiments.

Therefore, Bhogeswar Baruah Stadium will remain open throughout the night today for the public to pay their respects. Tomorrow also, the mortal remains of Zubeen will be kept at Sarusajai for people to offer their homage,” he added.

The Assam government has extended the official mourning period by a day. Originally set for three days until September 22, it will now continue through September 23, the day of the cremation.

Cause of death confirmed

The Chief Minister also shared that the Singapore government has issued Garg’s death certificate, which confirmed that the singer died of drowning.

The 52-year-old icon tragically passed away while swimming in the sea without a life jacket. His sudden demise has left an irreplaceable void in the Indian music industry and in the hearts of millions of fans.