A year ago, Assam lost the singer many people there simply called our Zubeen. On 19 September 2026, his first death anniversary, the state paused to remember him. The day is now observed as Zubeen Divas.
How Assam marked the day
The Assam government's Cultural Affairs Department held a three-day programme from 17 to 19 September at Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur, the memorial site near Guwahati. It was full of his songs, prayers and tributes from fans.
In Guwahati, singer Papon paid his respects and spoke with Zubeen's widow, Garima Saikia Garg. Online, Papon wrote "Shine On, You Crazy Diamond" and "Miss you my brother." Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal attended, and the All Assam Students' Union held its own tribute. Assam House in New Delhi held a ceremony too.
He sang in more languages than most people can name.
A voice that went everywhere
Over a career of more than three decades, Zubeen Garg recorded over 40,000 songs in about 40 languages and dialects. Most of India came to know him through "Ya Ali", from the 2006 Hindi film Gangster. At home he was much more than one hit. He was a singer, composer, actor and filmmaker who never stopped working in Assamese. His last film, Roi Roi Binale, has kept his work in front of audiences this year.
The scale of the grief last year said a lot about him. More than 1.5 million people joined his final journey after his body was brought home to Assam. He was cremated with state honours at Kamarkuchi on 23 September 2025.
Where to start listening
- "Ya Ali" (Gangster, 2006), the song that made him famous across India.
- "Dil Tu Hi Bata" (Krrish 3, 2013), a Bollywood ballad.
- "Mayabini", one of his most loved Assamese songs, and the one his fans sang together in his memory.
The case
Questions about his death are still open. In March 2026, Singapore's State Coroner ruled it an accidental drowning. In Assam, a fast-track court is hearing a murder case against seven accused, who have pleaded not guilty. More than 100 witnesses had been examined by September.
