On what would have been his 53rd birthday, the memory of music legend Zubeen Garg was honoured across Assam, even as the state government took a significant step towards securing justice in the case concerning his untimely death. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a major announcement on social media platform X, revealing that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has granted crucial legal sanction to proceed against the accused.
A Landmark Legal Step Announced on a Day of Remembrance
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that the necessary sanction under Section 208 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been approved by Home Minister Amit Shah. This legal provision allows authorities to file a charge sheet and move forward with the trial against those linked to the singer's death in Singapore. Sarma emphasized the government's commitment to filing this charge sheet by December 10, 2025.
In his heartfelt post, the Chief Minister wrote, "Today marks the 53rd birthday of our beloved Zubeen Garg — a day that reminds us of his music, his voice, and his irreplaceable place in Assam’s heart." He connected the emotional significance of the day with the progress in the legal case, stating that the sanction represents a firm step towards lawful resolution.
Fans and Family Pay Emotional Tributes
As the legal developments unfolded, Zubeen Garg's admirers and family members gathered to celebrate his life and legacy. At midnight, fans assembled outside his Kahilipara residence in Guwahati to cut a birthday cake, which was then placed before his photograph. The poignant ceremony was attended by his wife, Garima Saikia Garg, and his sister, Palmee Borthakur.
The celebrations were filled with music, as fans sang the birthday song and many of Garg's popular hits. Later, devotees also gathered at 'Zubeen Kshetra', the site of his cremation, to pay their respects. They offered traditional gamosas and flowers, lit lamps, and created a musical tribute by singing his beloved songs.
Widespread Commemoration Across Political and Social Spectrum
The birth anniversary saw participation from various organizations and political parties, highlighting Garg's widespread influence beyond just the music industry.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized a blood donation camp to honour the singer's memory. Their alliance partner, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), observed the day as 'Jatiya Swabhiman Diwas' (National Self-respect Day) with a tribute ceremony at their party headquarters that included another blood donation camp, renditions of Garg's songs, and a sapling plantation drive.
The Opposition Congress party also organized a commemorative program titled 'Kanchanjunga-Sanskriti Houk Maitreyir Mantra', focusing on celebrating Garg's cultural contributions and reaffirming their commitment to secure justice for him. Assam Pradesh Congress President Gaurav Gogoi was scheduled to attend the evening of remembrance and reflection.
Student organizations and fan clubs joined the commemorations as well. The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) organized a three-day program across all district headquarters that included art camps, cycle rallies, and plantation drives. The All Assam Zubeen Garg Fan Club coordinated events throughout the state, while members of the Gauhati Press Club paid floral tributes to the late icon.
Zubeen Garg, who was born on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya, passed away in September 2025 in Singapore. The 52-year-old cultural ambassador for the North East India Festival lost consciousness during a yacht outing organized by the Assam Association Singapore, cutting short a life that had profoundly influenced Assamese culture and music.
