HT Correspondent
JORHAT, Sept 19: A wave of grief and disbelief swept through Jorhat on Friday following the sudden demise of legendary singer Zubeen Garg, widely regarded as the city’s cultural icon.
Thousands of fans, friends and well-wishers have made a heartfelt appeal to the government and the singer’s family to bring his mortal remains to his hometown, giving the people of Jorhat a chance to pay their last respects.
Soon after the news of his passing spread, residents, especially youth, took to the streets at key locations such as Baruah Chariali and Garali.
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They paid floral tributes, lit candles and incense sticks, and held photographs of the beloved singer in candlelight processions.
Many participants were visibly emotional, struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of an artist whose music had touched millions.
The city’s shopkeepers and businesses closed early in a mark of respect, reflecting the deep bond between Zubeen and his hometown.
Fans recalled his early days in Jorhat, from cycling across the countryside to his unconventional college routine, and how the city shaped his musical journey.
Zubeen Garg’s 50th birthday was celebrated in Jorhat on November 18, 2022, with grand fan club events that included a massive cake-cutting ceremony and an evening performance by the singer at the JDSA Ground, attended by thousands of admirers.
Many fans said they were eager for a similar opportunity to bid farewell to the artist who had become a symbol of Assamese music.
As the city mourns, supporters continue to urge authorities and the family to allow Zubeen’s mortal remains to be brought to Jorhat, so that the local community can honour the memory of a singer, musician, lyricist and filmmaker whose legacy will remain an inseparable part of Assam’s cultural heritage.
