The unexpected passing of Zubeen Garg has plunged Assam into profound mourning, with his renowned song Mayabini Ratir Bukut evolving into a communal anthem of sorrow. In Guwahati and surrounding areas, thousands of admirers gathered to pay their respects to the singer, who is celebrated as the state’s most cherished cultural icon after Bhupen Hazarika. The 52-year-old artist passed away in Singapore during a maritime excursion, and his remains were transported to Guwahati, where they were placed at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex. Hundreds of thousands braved lengthy lines to pay floral tributes, as Mayabini played ceaselessly in the background, fulfilling Zubeen’s long-expressed desire for the ballad to serve as his farewell song.
On Tuesday, a large crowd gathered in Kamarkuchi NC village near Guwahati for his funeral. Draped in the traditional Gamusa, Zubeen’s procession attracted emotional mourners lining the streets. Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also participated in the tribute by singing Mayabini alongside the crowd. The song, penned and composed by Zubeen for the 2001 film Daag, has become emblematic of the void created by his departure. In recent days, it has resonated everywhere—within homes, vehicles, educational institutions, and social events. Assamese communities in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune paid homage by singing Mayabini, illustrating the profound impact of Zubeen’s music beyond Assam.
Filmmaker Utpal Borpujari characterized the collective grief as “hysteria at a level no one anticipated,” underscoring the artist’s unique connection with the populace. Despite facing personal controversies, Zubeen remained a “people’s artist”—a singer, composer, actor, and activist who engaged with all segments of society. His career spanned Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi cinema, with hits such as Ya Ali from Gangster and Jaane Kya Chahe Man Bawara from Pyaar Ke Side Effects achieving national acclaim. However, it was his role in revitalizing Assamese music and cinema, coupled with his brave activism against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), that truly defined his legacy.
Many generations of Assamese have grown up singing his songs, but Mayabini has now taken on a new significance—a mourning anthem uniting people in remembrance of “Zubeen Da.” His passing has not only left Assam shaken but has also highlighted the immense cultural influence he held, establishing him as an unparalleled phenomenon in the state’s contemporary history.