The passing of Assam’s musical legend, fondly known as the ‘Humming King’ Zubeen Garg, was not just a personal loss but left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of millions across the state and the nation. On September 19, 2025, a tragic swimming accident in Singapore claimed his life, leaving countless fans heartbroken. However, the scene at his farewell was nothing short of historic. On September 21, 2025, millions gathered in Guwahati for his funeral, creating a spectacle that not only reflected Assam’s unity but also secured its place in the Limca Book of Records as the fourth largest peaceful gathering in world history. This achievement places Zubeen alongside global icons like Michael Jackson, Pope Francis, and Queen Elizabeth II.
Zubeen Garg: A Life in Tune with Music and Struggle
Born in 1972 in Assam’s Jorhat district, Zubeen Garg’s passion for music was evident from a young age. In his short 52 years, he recorded over 9,000 songs across Assamese, Bollywood, and South Indian cinema. Singing in over 40 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, he became a household name with Bollywood hits like Ya Ali from the film Gangster. For Assam, he was more than a singer—he was a cultural bridge. His songs entertained while raising awareness on issues like environmental conservation and the cleanliness of the Brahmaputra River.
His wife, Garima Saikia Garg, a renowned singer herself, said after his passing, “Zubeen was not just a singer; he was the soul of Assam.” His life was marked by struggles—financial hardships in childhood and the pressure to leave Assam to make it big—but he never gave up. Through events like the North East Festival, he united the entire Northeast.
Tragic Demise: A Singapore Accident That Shook Assam
On September 19, 2025, Zubeen Garg passed away in a swimming pool accident in Singapore. Doctors at Singapore General Hospital confirmed drowning, noting he suffered a seizure and was not wearing a life jacket. To ensure transparency, the Assam government ordered a second postmortem at Guwahati Medical College, which corroborated the initial findings. The news sent shockwaves through Assam, with hashtags like #JusticeForZubeen trending on social media as some speculated foul play. Ultimately, it was deemed a tragic accident.
His body was brought to Guwahati Airport on September 21, where it was taken to his residence. His wife Garima and family were inconsolable. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared a state mourning and announced that the funeral would be conducted with full state honors.
Final Farewell: A Crowd That Made History
On September 22, Zubeen’s body was placed at the Arjun Bhogeswar Barua Sports Complex (Sarusajai Stadium) for public viewing. From 7:30 AM, thousands began gathering. Despite the rain, people stood in queues overnight—some singing his songs, others silently shedding tears. An estimated 1.5 million people converged in Guwahati, turning the streets into a sea of mourners. Flowers, prayers, and the melodies of his hit songs filled the air with a mix of grief and reverence.
The procession, attended by dignitaries including a special envoy from Bhutan, was a testament to his widespread influence. Chief Minister Sarma tweeted, “Zubeen was Assam’s heartbeat. This crowd is not just mourning but immortalizing his legacy.” Despite the massive turnout, the event remained peaceful, with no reported disruptions. The sheer scale of the gathering earned it a place in the Limca Book of Records as the fourth largest in history.
Global Comparison: Zubeen’s Farewell in Context
Large gatherings are often religious or political, but funerals, too, can mark history. According to the Limca Book of Records, Zubeen’s funeral was the fourth largest gathering, surpassed only by three iconic events:
| Rank | Event | Location | Estimated Attendance | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Jackson’s Funeral | Los Angeles, USA | Over 2.5 million | 2009 |
| 2 | Pope Francis’s Mass | Manila, Philippines | 6 million | 2015 |
| 3 | Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral | London, UK | Over 2 million | 2022 |
| 4 | Zubeen Garg’s Funeral | Guwahati, India | 1.5 million | 2025 |
Michael Jackson’s death drew fans globally to Los Angeles, filling the Staples Center. Pope Francis’s mass in the Philippines was the largest Catholic event in history, with 6 million attendees. Queen Elizabeth II’s farewell symbolized the British Empire’s legacy. Zubeen’s gathering, though smaller, stands as a testament to India’s cultural unity. Note that these figures pertain to peaceful gatherings; religious events like the Kumbh Mela (up to 50 million) fall in a different category.
Legacy: Beyond Music, an Inspiration
Zubeen Garg was more than a singer; he was a social warrior. His songs elevated Assam’s culture, and even after his death, they dominate playlists. The Assam government announced plans for a memorial and music academy in his name. Tributes from neighboring countries like Bhutan highlight his cross-border appeal.
As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his immortality. The massive crowd was not just an expression of grief but a promise to preserve his legacy. Assam’s streets showed the world that a true artist never dies—they live on in the hearts of the people.