‘Play this song when I die’: As ‘Mayabini’ echoes, millions in Assam bid farewell to Zubeen Garg | Guwahati News
GUWAHATI: On Tuesday, as Zubeen Garg‘s sister Palme lit the pyre, the song he had called his requiem became Assam‘s hymn of farewell. Mayabani floated from the loudspeakers, as millions sang through their tears that carried the state’s beloved cultural icon into immortality.The 52-year-old singer-philanthropist-activist died while swimming in Singapore on Sept 19. His funeral at Kamarkuch NC village, 15km from Guwahati, drew countless mourners and state honours – including a 21-gun salute. Sandalwood donated by Dimoria residents fed the pyre. His favourite brown hat and gamosas from multiple communities were placed beside him as tokens of love.Zubeen had said at a concert in 2019: “When I die, only this song is to be played.” Assam kept that promise. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Sarbananda Sonowal joined Zubeen’s wife Garima Saikia Garg, singer Papon, family, friends and countless fans in singing Mayabini. For four days, Assam came to a halt. Markets shut, buses and cabs stayed off the roads, and neighbourhoods displayed his photographs while his songs rang out. Tributes poured from actors, musicians and politicans alike. Kaziranga National Park and communities across Assam planted Bakul and fruit trees in his memory. As Assam mourned, probes began into allegations surrounding his death. Fifty-five FIRs were filed across the state against four people – festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, manager Sidharth Sharma, drummer Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, and businessman Sanjive Naraine.State CID has registered a consolidated case under charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and causing death by negligence. ADG MP Gupta said an SIT has been formed. “The investigation has already started,” he said. CM Sarma said a team would travel to Singapore to collect evidence, including video footage. Fans have demanded a full probe, seeking “justice” for the voice that had defined their lives.
