District Administration, Silchar Residents Pay Heartfelt Tribute to Music Maestro Zubeen Garg

Cachar united in grief on Saturday (September 20) as both the district administration and the people of Silchar paid glowing tributes to Assam’s legendary singer Heartthrob Zubeen Garg, whose sudden demise in Singapore has left a deep void in the world of music.

The day began with a solemn ceremony at the office of the District Commissioner, where DC Mridul Yadav led officials in offering floral tributes to the celebrated artist’s portrait. Additional District Commissioners Dr. Khaleda Sultana Ahmed, Hemanga Nobis, Co-DC Lakhipur Dhruvajyoti Hazarika, Assistant Commissioners Ashish Bidyadhar Unhale, Deepa Das, Bonnykha Chetia, Cultural Development Officer Snehangshu Roy, and other staff members joined in mourning. “His music transcended boundaries and united hearts,” said DC Yadav, recalling Zubeen’s unparalleled contributions to Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, and Bollywood music.

By afternoon, the city converged at Gandhi Bagh in Silchar, where a massive public tribute organised at the initiative of MLA Dipayan Chakraborty drew thousands of grieving fans. The programme began at 4 PM and continued until 8 PM, marked by candlelight marches, floral tributes, and heartfelt speeches. Cachar DC Mridul Yadav and Additional SP (HQ) Subrata Sen joined MLA Chakraborty in leading the homage, followed by Silchar Municipal Commissioner Sristi Singh, and representatives of various cultural, social, and student organisations.

Fans and admirers broke down into tears while spreading flower petals in front of Zubeen Garg’s portrait.

Addressing the gathering, an emotional MLA Dipayan Chakraborty said, “Zubeen was not just a singer; he was a phenomenon. His journey started from the soil of Barak Valley, and he always carried a piece of Silchar in his heart. That’s why he would often fondly call himself half-Bengali.” He lauded Zubeen’s rare versatility of singing in Assamese, Bengali, Sylheti, Bishnupriya Manipuri, and Hindi, while also expressing anguish over the tragic circumstances of his death.

The tribute will continue on Sunday at Gandhi Bagh from 6 am to 7 pm, with MLA Chakraborty urging residents to come forward to offer their last respects. “The entire region is united in grief. This is our way of showing Zubeen da that Silchar and Barak Valley will always remember him with love, pride, and gratitude,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Government of Assam has declared state mourning from September 20 to 22 as a mark of respect. No official entertainment, ceremonial functions, or Seva Saptah programmes will be held during this period.

Zubeen Garg, the music maestro, singer, and cultural icon of Assam, passed away on Friday in Singapore following a tragic accident. His immortal melodies, admirers said, will continue to inspire and unite generations.

[With inputs from press release issued by the Regional office of Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar, Assam]