Guwahati, Sep 24: A massive crowd gathered on Monday to bid an emotional farewell to legendary singer Zubeen Garg, whose mortal remains were placed in a glass casket draped with the traditional Assamese gamosa. Fans paid floral tributes and sang his most-loved songs outside the Guwahati stadium, where prominent personalities including Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, singer Papon, and a representative of the King of Bhutan paid their respects.
The singer passed away on September 19 in Singapore after reportedly suffering an epileptic seizure while swimming without a life jacket. He was in the city to attend the North East India Festival. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that a second autopsy will be conducted at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on Tuesday morning, in the presence of AIIMS-Guwahati doctors, to rule out any foul play.
Garg’s cremation is scheduled for Tuesday morning at Kamarkuchi in Sonapur, on the outskirts of Guwahati, with full state honours. Around 85 family members and close acquaintances are expected to attend the last rites.
The state government has announced that all educational institutions across Assam and government offices in Kamrup (Metropolitan) district will remain closed today as a mark of respect.