Assam is remembering singer-composer Zubeen Garg on his first death anniversary with music, prayers and cultural programmes. The celebrated artiste, who was also an actor and filmmaker, died in Singapore on September 19, 2025, at the age of 52. A year after his death, his wife, Garima Garg, has spoken about his enduring legacy, the fans who continue to keep his memory alive and the family’s wait for answers about his death.
Thousands gather at Zubeen Kshetra
Thousands of admirers have gathered at Zubeen Kshetra for the three-day Zubeen Divas celebrations marking the first death anniversary of the Assamese icon. The programme began on September 17 with an interfaith prayer and Naam-Prasanga. The second day, titled Geete-Mate Zubeen Bandana, was dedicated to music, with artistes and cultural groups performing some of his popular songs. Flowers and gamosas adorned the memorial as fans gathered to pay their respects. The final day of the celebrations will feature spiritual and traditional cultural programmes, including Bhagawat Naam and a Bhaona.
Garima Garg says she sees Zubeen in his fans
Speaking about the massive turnout, Garima Garg said she sees Zubeen everywhere, particularly in the people who have come together to remember him irrespective of their religion, background or beliefs.Speaking to NDTV, she said, “I see him everywhere, and he is here because, see the way people have come out, they are not considering what background they are from, what their religion is, or whatever their belief is. They have come as human beings.”She added, “Here only we can see people, and that is the philosophy, his ideology, and this is his dream for a beautiful Assam. So that is what we are getting here, in a very little form, but everyone has come here with love, with respect for him.”Garima further said that Zubeen’s admirers continue to carry his philosophy with them.“They have kept him in their heart, and they are carrying him that way, with his ideology, his philosophy. So that is what we all want actually. This is everyone’s dream,” she said.She also emphasised that the celebrations are about remembering Zubeen through his creativity and positivity.“People of Assam are not celebrating Zubeen Garg’s funeral. They are celebrating Zubeen Divas. Zubeen is for celebration only. Zubeen has always talked of creativity. He has talked of positivity,” Garima said.
Artistes pay tribute to Zubeen Garg
Zubeen’s musical legacy has also brought several artistes together during the anniversary observances. Garima revealed that composer-singer Salim Merchant travelled to Assam to pay tribute to the late artiste.She also mentioned Dhruv Gandhi, who visited Zubeen’s studio and was expected to visit Zubeen Theatre. Singer Kunal Ganjawala, meanwhile, released a song dedicated to Zubeen.Garima said such gestures reflect the affection and respect that artistes continue to have for the late singer-composer and his work.
Garima Garg says family continues to seek justice
While Zubeen’s music and legacy have remained at the centre of the anniversary celebrations, questions surrounding his death continue to be important for his family and supporters. The circumstances surrounding his death have been the subject of an inquiry and a criminal case in court.Speaking about the family’s demand for justice, Garima said the legal process is ongoing and that they are still waiting for answers.“We have to get justice. The process is on. This process is happening in court. So we all want justice for Zubeen Garg. We want to know what really happened on the 19th of September in 2025 in Singapore. We are still waiting for that answer, and we have to get that justice,” she said.She added, “And if justice is not for Zubeen, then for whom? So does that have any meaning? At least in Assam we have to get justice for Zubeen Garg.”
Zubeen Garg’s enduring musical legacy
Zubeen Garg remains one of the most influential voices associated with Assamese music, while his work also reached audiences across India. He was widely known for Bollywood songs including Ya Ali from Gangster and Subah Subah from I See You, alongside iconic Assamese tracks such as Mayabini and Din Jwole Raati Jwole.
